Three of our Sydney Sixers women -Ellyse Perry, Alyssa Healy, and Ashleigh Gardner- played in the national side and put on a quality display of cricket in a thrilling encounter.
Sydney Sixers all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner played a crucial role in the game. She took the most wickets in the match with figures of 3/47 off nine overs with one being the key wicket of Sarah Taylor. With the Southern Stars in a precarious position at six wickets down chasing 229, Gardner put on a game-changing batting display to help the Aussies seal the win. Her 27 (18) runs featured 2 fours and 2 sixes which entertained a nervous crowd.
Gardner's performance capped off a fantastic week for the 20-year-old, who was also honoured at the Women in Sport awards last week with the 'One to Watch' award.
Sixers captain Ellyse Perry made a contribution with her fast-pace bowling. She claimed the big wickets of international WBBL players Tammy Beaumont and Katherine Brunt. With the bat, Perry scored 20 (44) runs with a four and a six on the scorecard. Sixers and Australian wicket-keeper Alyssa Healy helped the Southern Stars get off to a fast start with 18 (15) where she smashed four boundaries in her innings.
The next two Ashes ODIs will be played at Coffs Harbour International Stadium on October 26 and 29.