A stellar batting performance saw Australia beat England by 86 runs in the third and final ODI and look set to defend the Women’s Ashes Cup.

Ashleigh Gardner’s 102-ball haul helped the hosts reach 308 runs in Hobart, with England trailing by 222 runs.

England’s three consecutive defeats have left them 0-6 behind in the multi-format series and need to win their remaining three T20 matches and Test matches to regain the Ashes.

England bowlers got off to a good start in the match, with Lauren Bell picking up just two runs off the wicket of dangerous woman Ellyse Perry to post 46-3 Put the host team under pressure.

But half-centuries from Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath and a superb century from Gardner turned the tide of the game and ultimately set a stunning record for England. Dread numbers.

The visitors got off to a poor start at the crease, with opener Maia Butcher dismissed for a duck, but Tammy Beaumont’s 54 and Nat Seaver-Brent’s 61 kept England’s hopes alive.

However, those dreams were soon dashed when Danni Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed for 200-5, followed by Alice Capsey’s duck.

With England just 21 points away, Gardner capped off a fine performance by bowling Sophie Ecclestone with a brilliant acrobatic catch at the boundary, Australia swept the ODI wins.

“I thought Australia played really well,” England captain Heather Knight said. “We tried to apply pressure up front, which was effective, but with Ash Gardner and Beth Mooney working together, they struggled to keep quiet.

“There were a few chances between the fielders which was frustrating but Gardner’s performance was outstanding. I thought it was going to be a pretty good chase but a couple of wickets fell and the run rate Rising.”

“I misjudged” – Gardner’s wonderful capture in the photo

“Apparently I actually misjudged that because I caught it with one hand.

So I guess knowing where the rope is behind me and letting my feet throw the ball back is one of those things that you don’t necessarily have to practice a lot, but you have to let your instincts take over in those moments.

“Luckily I was able to pull it off.”

Sciver-Brunt: Format changes could boost England’s spirits

“We made some improvements, but probably weren’t our best on the field. We weren’t our best overall today,” Seaver Brunt said.

“They batted very low and it was really difficult for us. We thought we were going to put pressure on them from the start but they had a really good partnership.

“The wickets are getting drier and more tired and that’s difficult for us. If you put it in the right areas, you can make it difficult for the batsmen to score runs. If you apply your knowledge and skills, You can make it work. I tried to do it, but I didn’t do it long enough.

“I think the change of format will boost morale and get everyone relaxed. The new guys will bring energy and we’re looking forward to getting back to Sydney.”

2025 Women’s Ashes Schedule

All dates and times in the UK and Ireland

• First foreign direct investment: Saturday 11 January – North Sydney Oval – Australia wins by four wickets
• The second foreign direct investment: Monday 13 January – Junction Oval, Melbourne – Australia won by 21 points
• The third overseas direct investment: Thursday 16 January – Hobart Ninja Stadium – Australia won by 86 runs
• First T20I: Monday 20 January 8:40am – Sydney Cricket Ground
• Second T20I: Thursday 23 January 8.40am – Manuka Oval, Canberra
• Third T20I: Saturday 25 January 8am – Adelaide Oval
• test: Thursday 30 January to 3.30am Sunday 2 February – MCG, Melbourne