Story of the 2023 Women’s Ashes at Edgbaston

Edgbaston Stadium hosted the first T20 of the 2023 Women’s Ashes in front of a then-record crowd in Birmingham, and it was a memorable day that produced a final-over thriller in the first Women’s Ashes fixture held at the ground.

2026-09-04T09:55+01:00

Edgbaston returns as a venue for the Women’s Ashes next year for the 3rd Metro Bank One Day International of the series. Fans can now enter the Ballot to make sure of their place at The People’s Home of Cricket.

History was made in the build up to and during the game at Edgbaston in 2023, with Meg Lay, Sports Turf Operative at Gloucestershire’s Seat Unique Stadium, leading a team of all-female ground staff in an Ashes fixture for the first time.

The groundbreaking initiative aimed to inspire and encourage young women and girls to explore career paths in cricket, breaking through gender barriers within the sports turf industry.

A record crowd of 19,527 for a women’s fixture at Edgbaston were also left inspired by the 22 players on the pitch, with Australia eventually earning a four-wicket victory with one ball remaining.

Batting first, Sophia Dunkley (56 from 49 balls) got England off to the perfect start, before a blistering late assault by Amy Jones, who struck 40 off just 21 balls, helped the hosts to a competitive 153 for seven from their 20 overs.

Jess Jonassen was the pick of the Australian bowlers, dismissing Nat Sciver-Brunt on her way to figures of three for 25 from her four overs.

In reply, Australia looked to be cruising to their total with opener Beth Mooney in fine touch, and Tahlia McGrath (40 from 29 balls) and Ashleigh Gardner (31 from 23 balls) making vital contributions.

At 130 for two, needing 24 from 20 balls, Australia were in control, however two wickets in two balls by Sarah Glenn at the end of the 17th over altered their chase. When Lauren Bell then dismissed Ellyse Perry with the score on 140, the visitors required 14 from nine.

However, Mooney would be the match-winner, carrying her bat for an unbeaten 61 off 47 balls in an innings that included nine fours and saw her side home with one ball remaining.

After Australia had won the Test Match to begin the multi-format series, their victory at Edgbaston in the second game of the series saw them extend their advantage. England would respond with victories in the next two T20s, and in the first of three ODIs.