Gardner smashes run-a-ball maiden century as Aussies on verge of retaining Ashes
Australia are on the verge of retaining the ladies’s Ashes after Ashleigh Gardner’s maiden worldwide century arrange an 86-run win over England.
The in-form 27-year-old hit a run-a-ball 102 in Friday’s third ODI in Hobart after coming to the crease with the inexperienced and gold wobbling at 4-59.
Gardner stabilised with Beth Mooney (50) earlier than Tahlia McGrath (55 from 45 balls) and an unbeaten 12-ball 38 from Georgia Wareham pushed Australia to 8-308.
England’s chase confirmed promise when opener Tammy Beaumont (54) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (61) mixed for an 89-run stand after the lack of two early wickets.
However Wareham, enjoying her first match of the sequence, struck essential blows together with her leg spin within the center overs to take away the pair in fast succession.
Phoebe Litchfield pulled off a surprising diving catch within the thirty seventh over to eliminate the harmful Danni Wyatt-Hodge (35) off Alana King.
King ran by the tail to assert 5-46 after starring with 4-25 within the second ODI.
England misplaced 6-22 to finish their innings, which completed on 222 within the forty third over.
Australia, who maintain the Ashes, have a six-points-to-zero lead within the multi-format sequence after successful all three ODIs.
They should attain eight factors to retain the silverware, with consideration turning to Monday’s first of three T20s that are all price two factors.
The sequence concludes with a four-point day-night Check on the MCG.
Gardner, who performed in key hand within the first ODI with unbeaten 42, surpassed her earlier ODI prime rating of 74, struck towards New Zealand in Wellington in December.
She kicked on after combining for a 95-run partnership with Mooney, who was out with nearly 18 overs left when she skied a Charlie Dean supply.
Gardner additionally had a second of brilliance within the area when she navigated the boundary rope and threw the ball again to finish a catch.
Earlier, after successful the toss, Australia’s much-vaunted prime three of Litchfield (15), Alyssa Healy (15) and Ellyse Perry (two) failed to fireplace.
Litchfield was given not out on the sector however an England assessment revealed she had gloved a Lauren Filer supply to wicketkeeper Amy Jones.
England’s top-class spinner Sophie Ecclestone (1-76) was costly after taking six wickets throughout the primary two ODIs.
