It was a bittersweet ending to England’s women’s Ashes hopes. It’s been an incredible series and I echo Heather Knight’s words that it is the greatest of all time. For the skill levels, competitiveness, last-over thrillers, crowds and visibility it’s hard to argue against that.
For that same reason, it was one deserving of a grand finale and Nat Sciver-Brunt, who played so magnificently, really should have had a fairytale ending. Yet, despite the loss, they can still draw the series by winning today and it’s perhaps befitting of two sides who have battled it out brilliantly over the last month.
What’s been heartening is how England have made Australia revisit their approach, which is testament to the ethos and brand of cricket this side are playing. It’s what makes rivalries in sport so special. You are constantly pushing each other to be better.
The announcement of equal prize money for ICC events was a big moment for women’s cricket and if there were any questions over equal pay then this series has certainly made a case for that.
With record ticket sales at Test-match grounds and viewing numbers through the roof – Headingley’s men’s Test got an average 965,000 viewers on Sky while 795,000 watched the women’s T20 at Lords last Saturday.
For the sport itself – despite questions being raised over interest in the game and the popularity of Test cricket – the Ashes has only grown cricket’s fanbase due to exciting performances from both the men’s and women’s teams.
Parallels can be drawn heading into the men’s fourth Test, in that composure and ruthlessness were always the missing pieces of the puzzle for England to unlock their winning potential. By getting over the line at Headingley the men now have even more belief to overcome Australia.
At the start of the Ashes, it was all about demystifying their opponent and playing without fear. Now, they have a fighting chance to win.
The narrative around Jimmy Anderson and his return to home turf at Old Trafford is how it was always meant to be. A much-needed breather for England’s greatest wicket-taker will have allowed him to fine-tune his bowling and return full of energy. I look forward to seeing the crowd get behind him at his home ground, especially bowling from his own end.
It’s been a long road back for Chris Woakes but he has brought calm and steel to this team. And when you consider what Mark Wood brings, the answer pretty simple – he is electrifying. It was abundantly clear how much he unsettled the Australian batters during the third Test with his extra pace.
It’s the sheer will and madness of the man (pictured) which adds to everything he does. Now England have a 96mph weapon, it will lift the side even more.
England’s decision to keep Moeen Ali at No.3 is no bad thing – the side have nothing to lose with him being there, and they might get more from Harry Brook at five.
Much has been said about Stuart Broad and his continued dominance over David Warner, and from experience as a former bowler, when you get into someone’s head, you feel you can get them out every delivery.
As a batter sometimes you have to park your ego and ask your partner to face the majority of those balls until the bowler tires. Cricket is a team game and Usman Khawaja might have to take one for them in an effort to break the cycle and allow Warner to flourish.
Jonny Bairstow has remained a hot topic of debate with England deciding to retain him for the remainder of the series, rather than replacing him with Ben Foakes who is no doubt the better gloveman. With the loyalty they have shown, they will be hoping at some point that will be repaid with interest.
The pressure is now on both sides to outperform one another again this week, as England battle to level the playing field at 2-2 and give this series that grand finale it so deserves.
Face Shane at home of ‘ball of the century’
As we head to Old Trafford, I’m sure fans and media alike will once again remember the late, great Shane Warne, who made his indelible mark on the Ashes 30 years ago, with the legendary ‘Ball of the Century’.
It was the ball that changed his life and inspired countless others. We miss him.
As a tribute to the great man, IG has been giving fans at every Test ground the chance to face an over of Shane Warne and other great overs in Ashes history.
If you think you have what it takes, I’d urge you to head along and have a go at the ‘IG Net Gains Arena’ AR simulator – every run scored will contribute towards the Net Gains Fund, which will be investing in new public net facilities across the country.
Isa Guha, the former England cricketer and BBC presenter, writes for Metro in partnership with IG during the Ashes. IG and England Cricket have committed to invest in new public net facilities across the country, via the IG Net Gains fund. Find out more at IG.com/investing. Investing puts your capital at risk.
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