by Nat Sciver-Brunt says England will look to “change momentum” when they face a crucial Women’s Ashes clash with Australia which begins on Thursday evening.
The third and final ODI in Hobart sees England look for a first win of the series and begin to reduce a 4-0 deficit in terms of match points.
England and Australia next meet in three T20s, followed by a Test match, with the hosts off to a good start.
England lost the opening ODI by four wickets in Sydney and then suffered a 21-run defeat in Melbourne.
Another setback would force England to demand a clean sweep in the T20 series and a Test victory, otherwise their Ashes dream would be over.
“It’s about trying to change the momentum in our direction and looking forward, really,” vice-captain Sciver-Brunt said in a pre-match press conference.
“We can’t dwell too much on what’s already happened, we can’t really change that. The only thing we can really change is what’s in front of us.
“Ashes cricket is like nothing else. It’s a mental game as much as a game of skill. We are ready to take on the challenge.
“It’s important for us to be on the board, but I think it’s even more important for us to play the way we want to play.
“It’s something we’ve talked about over the last few days, to sort these things out and just be a little bit more happy with our performance.”
Australia assistant coach Dan Marsh, meanwhile, expects another tough contest as England look to get back into the series.
“You have to treat every match like a new game,” March told www.cricket.com.au.
“We’re up 4-0, but we’re heading into the next game with the bat to put a decent score on the board if we bat first, or with the ball, just put the pressure on from the start.
“In the first two games, the competition was very close and we came out on top in both games.
“We certainly expect England to do their best, and for us we have to do the same.”
🔊OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT🔊
Our all-round champion Sophie Molineux was unfortunately excluded #WPL2025 due to a knee injury, and English all-rounder 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐧 was chosen to replace her.
Welcome to #ನಮ್ಮRCBCharlie! We cannot… pic.twitter.com/99LrPa1oMl
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) January 16, 2025
England all-rounder Charlie Dean is yet to return to her fine form of 2024, but has landed her first Women’s Premier League contract after being drafted in as a replacement by Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Dean will replace the injured Sophie Molineux and will take part in the top-flight franchise competition for the first time.
She joins teammates Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Kate Cross at RCB, while Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone and Alice Capsey will also appear.
