Australia registered a thrilling 21-run victory over England in the 2nd ODI at Melbourne, taking a 2-0 lead in the Women’s Ashes 2025 series. Batting first, Australia posted a modest total of 180, thanks to Ellyse Perry’s composed 60 and vital contributions from Phoebe Litchfield and Alyssa Healy.
England’s Sophie Ecclestone and Alice Capsey wreaked havoc, sharing seven wickets to restrict the hosts. In reply, England faltered despite Amy Jones’ gritty unbeaten 47, as Alana King delivered a match-winning performance with 4/25. King’s all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match award, showcasing composure under pressure. With this win, Australia maintained their dominance in the series.
A resilient Australian batting display
Opting to bat first, Australia’s innings revolved around a composed knock from Ellyse Perry, who scored a crucial 60 off 85 balls. She steadied the ship after early setbacks, forming vital partnerships with Litchfield (28) and Healy (24). Perry’s elegant stroke play and ability to rotate the strike kept the scoreboard ticking despite England’s disciplined bowling.
England’s bowlers, led by Ecclestone and Capsey, kept the Australian batters in check throughout the innings. Ecclestone’s precise line and length fetched her impressive figures of 4/34, while Capsey’s effective off-spin bagged 3/26. Their combined efforts, supported by sharp fielding, restricted Australia to what seemed a below-par total of 180.
England’s struggles against Alana King’s magic
Chasing a modest target, England struggled to build momentum as Australia’s bowlers exploited the conditions. Jones was the lone warrior, fighting valiantly with an unbeaten 47 off 72 balls. However, a lack of support from the top order, including early dismissals of Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight, left England’s chase in tatters.
King emerged as the match-winner for Australia with a sensational spell of 4/25. Her clever variations and consistent accuracy dismantled England’s middle order. King’s wicket of Danni Wyatt Hodge, taken off a sharp turning delivery, effectively sealed the game for Australia. Her heroics under pressure highlighted her all-round capability and match awareness.
Also WATCH: Alana King picks her 50th ODI wicket after dismissing Danielle Wyatt on golden duck | Women’s Ashes 2025
Australia’s bowling attack displayed exceptional teamwork, with contributions from Kim Garth (3/37) and Megan Schutt (1/27). Their relentless pressure ensured England never gained control, as the visitors were bowled out for 159 in 48.1 overs. Strategic field placements and disciplined execution were instrumental in Australia’s defense of the modest total.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Amy Jones doesn’t take the single off the last ball of the over and Lauren Bell is bowled on the first over of the next.
It’s small margins in cricket, but those are the things that can decide the Ashes. #Ashes
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) January 14, 2025
Once thing England men and women have in common, they can’t win down under. #Ashes
— Vikrant Singh (@vikrantsingh_au) January 14, 2025
How the helllll have we won that?! Gee whiz, what a fight – England should’ve won that 😳 #Ashes
— Dani Brown (@itsdanibrown) January 14, 2025
Any jones didn’t take single on last ball…lol are u fool… ofcourse u misunderstood….filer running without watching batsman…. definitely fools everywhere #Ashes
— Gauti (@Tradergautam) January 14, 2025
Stunning win by Australia. Absolute chaos. Hell of a game of cricket. Crazy capitulation by England. Thoroughly entertaining. #Ashes
— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery) January 14, 2025
Let’s call this for what it is @bbctms
It’s ridiculous cricket!! Brainless, moronic cricket. The players, management, tactics etc.
This England women’s team have been lauded but are nothing more than flat track bullies against part time internationals teams#ASHES
— Ru55 Mil50m (@Ru55Mil50m) January 14, 2025
Stunning win for Australia who dragged themselves off the canvas thanks to Alana King #AUSvENG #Ashes
— Brett Graham (@worldofBG) January 14, 2025
5️⃣0️⃣ ODI wickets for Alana King 👏🏏#women #cricket #AlanaKing #AUSvENG #Ashes #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/92NThgs6ix
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 14, 2025
Alana King finishes with 4/25 from ten overs, her best bowling figures in ODIs.#Ashes
— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) January 14, 2025
Australia one win in the Test away from retaining the Ashes.
Could lose the next four white-ball games, win the Test and walk away with the Ashes.
Likewise, one more win in ODIs/T20s would mean a drawn Test allows them to retain Ashes. #Ashes #AUSvENG
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) January 14, 2025
I feel for Amy Jones, top scorer for England but clearly the pressure got to her during that innings as she made so many poor decisions, awful running, no game awareness and did not play the way her team needed her to play.
I hope she can benefit from the experience. #Ashes— Super Wealth Fund (@Edtechx) January 14, 2025
Australia go 4-0 up after defending 180 bowling England out for 159. Amy Jones will be gutted she didn’t run off the final ball of the over as Lauren Bell is bowled off the first of the next.
This is going to HURT. They were SO in it & now have to dig deep ahead of the game 3
— Georgie Heath🎙️ (@GeorgieHeath27) January 14, 2025
Unfortunately the Women’s Ashes is going to be done before the big game at the MCG .. The Aussies are just so much better .. they haven’t played anywhere near in the first 2 games and are 2-0 up #WomensAshes
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 14, 2025
Really good win. Pretty disappointing by England though #Ashes
— Ryan (@RyanLDScott) January 14, 2025
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.