Format changed for Women's Ashes

Melbourne, May 14 (IANS)

Cricket Australia (CA) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Tuesday announced that, starting in England in August, the Women’s Ashes will be contested through a new multi-format series.

The Ashes will encompass one Test match, three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20I). The winners of the Test will be awarded six points, with two points awarded to the winners of each of the limited overs matches. The team that accrues the most points across all three formats will win the Women’s Ashes.

CA senior manager Belinda Clark said: “Cricket contests between Australia and England have a special place in the hearts and minds of players and the public. The new Women’s Ashes series format acknowledges the past, embraces the present and takes a bold step towards the future.”

Head of England women’s cricket, Clare Connor said: “The women’s game has seen huge growth in interest and profile as a result of the limited overs formats in recent years. The new Women’s Ashes looks to combine this reality with the prestige and tradition of Test cricket. We believe that this new multi-format series will gain significantly more profile and context than can be generated by playing a one-off Test match every couple of years.”

Australia are the current Ashes holders having reclaimed them in Sydney in 2011. Of the 18 Women’s Ashes series that have been played since its inception in 1934-35, Australia have won seven, England have won four and seven series have been drawn.