In a candid discussion at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Ash Gardner, one of Australia’s leading cricketers, expressed her vision for a more extensive Women’s Ashes series. Gardner’s proposal to expand the format to include three T20s, three ODIs, and crucially, three Test matches, aims to elevate what is already one of the most anticipated contests in women’s cricket into a true spectacle of endurance, skill, and rivalry.
The Challenge of Scheduling
Gardner is well aware that her vision isn’t without complications. “It’s obviously going to make the tours a lot longer. I’m not sure where you’re going to fit it in … knowing we have to play overseas competitions as well,” she said, acknowledging the packed international cricket calendar. The integration of more Tests would require a delicate juggling act, especially with the proliferation of T20 leagues around the globe where many players earn significant portions of their income. Yet, Gardner sees this as a challenge worth addressing, looking forward to how the landscape might change over the next few years.
The Desire for a Test Championship
The current structure, with only one Test match, feels somewhat like a novelty to Gardner. She yearns for a series where Test cricket isn’t just an afterthought but a central battleground where both teams can truly vie for supremacy. “Being able to kind of fight out for more of a Test championship [would be great],” she remarked, envisioning a series that could parallel the intensity and storytelling of the men’s Ashes, where each match adds layers to the ongoing saga between Australia and England.
Echoes from Across the Pond
Gardner’s call for change resonates with England’s Tammy Beaumont, who shares the sentiment. “I completely agree with Ash. I think I’d love to see three-three-three,” Beaumont stated, emphasizing how such a format would enhance the narrative and rivalry that define the Ashes. She drew parallels with the men’s series, where the drama unfolds over several games, suggesting that women’s cricket could benefit from a similar narrative arc.
The Broader Perspective on Women’s Cricket
Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, adds another layer to the conversation, focusing on the broader picture of women’s cricket. He highlighted the unprecedented growth in opportunities for women players but also acknowledged the logistical challenges. “Scheduling is a real challenge,” Hockley admitted, expressing a desire to expand the multi-format series to include more countries but recognizing the current constraints of the cricket calendar.
A Legacy of Dominance and the Desire for More
Australia’s track record in the Women’s Ashes has been formidable, with no series loss to England since 2013-14. The last series ended in an 8-8 draw, but it was enough for Australia to retain the Ashes, showing how each match’s outcome can be pivotal. For Gardner, the Ashes are not just another series; it’s a cornerstone of their cricketing calendar, “pretty much just behind the World Cup for us, in my opinion.”
The Weather and the Game
As the current series kicked off, weather played its part, with rain forecasts potentially affecting pitch conditions and gameplay at North Sydney Oval. Beaumont humorously noted feeling at home with the rain, given her history of rained-off games in Sydney, showcasing the lighter side of cricket’s often unpredictable nature.
The Women’s Ashes 2025 series will unfold as follows:
ODIs
January 12: North Sydney Oval, Sydney (10:30am)
January 14: Junction Oval, Melbourne (10:05am)
January 17: Bellerive Oval, Hobart (10:05am)
T20s
January 20: SCG, Sydney (7:15pm)
January 23: Manuka Oval, Canberra (7:15pm)
January 25: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (6:45pm)
Women’s Test
January 30 to February 2: MCG, Melbourne (2:30pm)
The aspiration for an expanded series speaks to a broader ambition within women’s cricket to not only grow but to do so in a way that honors its history, intensifies its rivalries, and celebrates its athletes in the grandest stage possible.