England women make history after win in third Twenty20

Kent trio Charlotte Edwards (pictured), Lydia Greenway and Susie Rowe all played their part in creating history as England women won the third Twenty20 of the series by four wickets at the Manuka Oval in Canberra yesterday – a result which gives them an unassailable 3-0 lead and is the first time they have won a limited over series in Australia.

The hosts batted first at the Oval and posted 145-6. Meg Lanning (34), Alex Blackwell (29) and Leah Poulton (25) all made starts but the Aussies were stopped in their tracks by Isa Guha; the pace bowler took an impressive 3-24.

Edwards (36) and fellow opener Laura Marsh (45) got the chase off to a flier, adding 71 off 61 for the first wicket, before Greenway chipped in with 23 at better than a run-a-ball. The cameos set the victory up for the Three Lions, and despite Sarah Coyte taking 3-25, the tourists sealed the series win with a four wicket success with a single ball to spare. Rowe contributed ten as the women created history, something which captain Edwards was understandably delighted about:

“I“m absolutely over the moon to win today and to win our first limited over series in Australia is very special.

“We upped our game on a very good pitch and again batted exceptionally well.

“I“m very proud of the whole squad. Everyone has contributed throughout the last three games and thoroughly deserve this series victory.”

Since claiming the series win England have romped into a four-nil lead as they cruised to a 13-run victory at Canberra this morning.

This time the tourists had first use of the Oval surface as they made 144 from their allotted overs. Marsh again impressed at the top of the innings smashing 43 from 28 balls. Edwards chipped in with 15 and Greenway continued her stunning form as she hit 28 from 22 balls to set the Aussies a tough target.

In the end the home side weren“t up to the challenge as they fell short despite only losing six wickets. Holly Colvin took 2-25 as England strangled the run-rate and 32 from Leah Poulton was all in vain as Edwards“s side set up the possibility of a series whitewash when the players return to the Oval tomorrow for the final t20 instalment.

England Women v Australia Women, match schedule
Twenty20 Series
Tuesday, 18 January, 5th T20, Manuka Oval, Canberra, 3.05pm

Ashes Test
Saturday 22-Tuesday 25, January, Bankstown Oval, Sydney, 10.30am