With today’s two wicket victory, England won their first one day international series against Australia since 1976. This is the first time that England has won three consecutive matches against Australia in an international series.
England sealed the NatWest Women's One Day International Series in Stratford-Upon-Avon after a rain delayed start. The game was shortened game with 29 overs apiece after a three hour delay.
England won the first two matches of the series in Chelmsford by nine wickets and 55 runs respectively earlier in the week.
With skipper Charlotte Edwards back to full fitness after an illness, England won the toss and elected to field.
The world champions England started their campaign strongly with Nicky Shaw having Shelley Nitschke leg before wicket in her first over. Leah Poulton was dismissed with a catch by Edwards at mid on shortly after with seven runs. Karen Rolton was bowled for 14 runs by Katherine Brunt.
Player of the match, Lisa Sthalekar increased the momentum for Australia, hitting 38 for the visitors. She was partnered well by Lauren Ebsary who made 40, including five boundaries.
Holly Colvin caught and bowled Jess Cameron, Australia’s second duck of the match. Alexandra Blackwell was also out without making a run. Colvin finished the match with two wickets for 23 runs.
England was left needing 151 to win.
Caroline Atkins starred for the home team hitting a patient 35. The match went right down to the wire with England needing three runs from two balls to win. Jenny Gunn was facing Nitschke and England took a single. Laura Marsh hit the final ball, a full toss to deep midwicket; the catch was dropped and Jenny Gunn returned for the second giving England a two wicket win.
Head of England women’s cricket Clare Connor said: “The performances of this world class England team continue to impress all who watch them. Their drive and hunger for even more success after winning both the ICC World Cup in March and the ICC Twenty20 last month has overwhelmed us all. I am proud of every squad member and of an exceptional management team led by head coach Mark Lane.
“This is surely one of the greatest teams this country has ever produced, in any sport,” she added.
Coach Mark Lane said: “I am very proud to be part of this fantastic achievement. Today everyone contributed to produce a victory that sealed the series.
“Our on field success demonstrates the hard work and unity of the team and our support staff,” he said.
Captain Charlotte Edwards said: “It was a really special day for us as a team, we have created history and it is amazing thing to be part of.
“Today was a solid team performance and it was great to see our lower order batters performing when it counted.
“This is the first time in 33 years that England has beaten Australia in a one day international series. Australia are our strongest rivals. To me today is as special as our two world cup wins,” Edwards said.
In her first ODI series win against Australia, spin bowler Holly Colvin said, “It is amazing to have won the series three nil, to have battled our way through a tight game made the win even more special.
“It is good to see everyone contributing today, especially the lower order batters keeping calm under pressure to see us home,” Colvin said.
