With the ODI and T20I series of the Women’s Ashes 2025 concluded, all eyes now turn to the highly anticipated Day-Night Test match between Australia and England. Set to be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, the match will begin on Thursday, January 30. Despite a challenging series so far, England will look to make a statement in the only Test of the series.
An opportunity for redemption for England’s team
England enter the Test after a disappointing white-ball series. The third and final T20I saw England suffer a comprehensive 72-run loss to Australia at the Adelaide Oval, facing a 0-3 loss in the T20I series. Coupled with their earlier ODI series defeat by the same margin, England now trail 0-12 in the points tally. Although the Ashes have already been decided, the Test match presents a crucial opportunity for England to salvage some pride and build momentum for the future.
Here is England’s predicted playing XI for the Day-Night Test against Australia
1. Maia Bouchier
- Position: Opener
- Strength: Known for her technical precision, Bouchier provides stability at the top of the order. Her ability to anchor the innings will be crucial for setting a strong foundation against a formidable Australian bowling attack.
2. Tammy Beaumont
- Position: Opener
- Strength: Beaumont’s dynamic approach complements Bouchier’s stability. Renowned for her aggressive stroke play, she has the potential to accelerate the scoring rate and put pressure on the Australian bowlers early in the innings.
3. Nat Sciver-Brunt
- Position: Batting All-Rounder
- Strength: Sciver-Brunt’s versatility makes her a key player. Her ability to stabilize the middle order with the bat and deliver crucial breakthroughs with her medium-fast bowling will be pivotal to England’s performance.
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4. Heather Knight (c)
- Position: Middle-Order Batter and Captain
- Strength: As the captain, Knight’s leadership will be central to England’s strategy. Her all-round skills and experience under pressure make her a vital cog in both the batting and bowling departments.
5. Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- Position: Middle-Order Batter
- Strength: Wyatt-Hodge brings a fearless approach to the middle order. Her power-hitting capabilities and ability to shift momentum in England’s favor will be critical during crucial phases of the game.
6. Amy Jones
- Position: Wicketkeeper Batter
- Strength: Jones combines sharp reflexes behind the stumps with explosive batting skills. Her ability to finish innings with a flourish adds depth to England’s line-up.
7. Sophia Dunkley
- Position: Middle-Order Batter
- Strength: Dunkley’s adaptability and calmness under pressure make her a valuable asset. Her ability to rotate strike and play impactful innings in various situations enhances England’s batting flexibility.
8. Kate Cross
- Position: Medium-Fast Bowler
- Strength: Cross is a key component of England’s bowling attack, known for exploiting seam-friendly conditions. Her knack for breaking partnerships and maintaining pressure will be crucial in the Day-Night Test.
9. Charlie Dean
- Position: Off-Spin Bowler
- Strength: Dean’s off-spin bowling adds a vital dimension to England’s attack. Her ability to vary flight and pace can unsettle batters, while her lower-order batting offers additional depth.
10. Lauren Bell
- Position: Medium-Fast Bowler
- Strength: Bell’s ability to generate movement and take key wickets makes her an important weapon for England. Her role in breaking partnerships will be critical in maintaining control during the match.
11. Sophie Ecclestone
- Position: Spin Bowler
- Strength: Ecclestone’s accuracy and skill in controlling the flow of runs make her one of the best spinners in women’s cricket. On the spin-friendly Melbourne surface, she will be expected to lead England’s bowling efforts.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.