England captain Heather Knight remains optimistic despite a challenging path ahead after Australia completed a clean sweep of the ODIs in the Women’s Ashes 2025.
The 86-run victory at Hobart has given the Aussies a commanding 6-0 lead in the multi-format series. To reclaim the Ashes, England must win all three upcoming T20Is and the one-off Test.
“It’s going to be tough,” Knight admitted in a recent interview. “But we’ve been here before. The last Ashes series was 6-0, and we were able to turn things around. We’re still alive, we’re still in it, and we’ve got to keep believing.”
Missed opportunities in Hobart ODI
England showcased their best performance of the series in Hobart, initially reducing Australia to 59 for four. However, they faltered at critical moments with both bat and ball, allowing the hosts to set a daunting total. Despite parity at the halfway stage of their chase, England failed to capitalize.
“We need to keep our composure,” Knight noted. “In those key moments when the game has been on the line, Australia has managed to cope with them really well, while we haven’t been able to seize the moment and hammer down any advantage.”
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Format change offers hope
England’s preparations for the next stages of the Ashes include a strategic focus on player fitness.
Kate Cross, who was close to playing in Hobart, was rested to avoid aggravating a back injury. Cross will now focus on training for the Melbourne Test, which begins on January 30, alongside Tammy Beaumont and Ryana MacDonald-Gay. Meanwhile, the rest of the squad will shift their attention to the T20Is.
Knight is optimistic about the format change, seeing T20 cricket as one of England’s strengths. “Having a change of format will be really good for us,” she said. “T20 cricket is one of our best formats, and that little reset will do us some good.”
With a renewed focus and belief, England will aim to turn their fortunes around in the T20I leg of the series, keeping their hopes to win the Ashes alive.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.