On Sunday, July 16, England and Australia will play the second ODI in the ongoing Women's Ashes at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground in Southampton. The hosts pulled off a brilliant effort, winning the first ODI at the Gloucestershire Cricket Stadium in Bristol to level the series with Australia.
The 2023 Women's Ashes began with a one-off Test, which was followed by a three-match T20I series. Australia won the Test match, while the hosts clinched the T20I series 2-1.
Ahead of the second ODI, England’s star pacer Kate Cross feels that both teams would be under pressure while coming for the match. The 31-year-old also admitted that the tourists will come back hard to them, adding that they are the world’s best squad for a reason.
"They're going to come back hard at us, they're the best team in the world for a reason,” Cross told Sky Sports.
🗣️ "They're going to come back hard at us, they're the best team in the world for a reason."
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 15, 2023
England's Kate Cross thinks both sides will be feeling the pressure ahead of the second ODI. pic.twitter.com/WE2XG7SRoQ
England defeats Australia by two wickets to tie the Women's Ashes
Heather Knight-led England outplayed Australia by two wickets in the first ODI series to tie the ongoing Women's Ashes series. After winning the toss, Australia batted first and set a 264-run target for the hosts. Beth Mooney top-scored for Australia, scoring an unbeaten 81 off 99 deliveries. Meanwhile, Lauren Bell and Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets each, while Kate Cross, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Alice Capsey took a wicket each.
Knight played a match-winning innings during the chase to overcome Alyssa Healy and Co. She struck an 86-ball 75 runs, which included six boundaries and a maximum. As a result, Heather was adjudged the Player of the Match. While on the Australian front, Ashleigh Gardner was crucial for her side by claiming a three-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Georgia Wareham grabbed two, and Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, and Jess Jonassen made one scalp each.