No English comeback this time, Australia retain Women's Ashes in style

Australia have retained the Women's Ashes in style with a 57-run victory over England in the first T20I in Sydney. Australia needed just two points to retain the Ashes, having made a clean sweep in the three ODIs part of the series earlier.

Beth Mooney top-scored with 75 off 51 as Australia posted 198/7. In response, England were bowled out for 141, with Georgia Wareham bagging three wickets.

Unlike the men's Ashes that involves Test matches alone, the Women's Ashes is a multi-format series featuring three ODIs, three T20Is and a one-off Test. A Test win fetches four points while a victory in the other formats gives two points. Australia now have an unassailable 8-0 lead.

Australia missed their skipper, Alyssa Healy, who was ruled out with a sore foot. Tahlia McGrath led the side as Australia hoped not to repeat the scenario from the previous Ashes, where they had led 6-0 before England made a terrific comeback. The series ended 8-8, and though Australia retained the Ashes as its holders, they were left disappointed to have let their dominance wane.

However, there was no such slip-up this time around. England had made a disastrous start to their chase, losing openers Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge for ducks. Sophia Dunkley hit a fifty, but Australian bowlers ensured the English did not strike any significant partnerships.