Women’s Ashes: Top 5 bowling spells in the history of Tests

Ellyse Perry and Katherine Sciver-Brunt Bowling. (Photo Source : Gettyimages/Twitter)

The Ashes is one of the oldest and most prestigious rivalries in international cricket. While it is predominantly associated with men’s cricket, the Women’s Ashes series has gained significant recognition and popularity over the years. It serves as a beacon of hope, empowering women to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

The Women’s Ashes Test is a prestigious cricketing event that showcases the best of women’s cricket between two powerhouses, Australia and England. The Women’s Ashes Test transcends the boundaries of sport and becomes a catalyst for change, inspiring generations of female cricketers worldwide. The Ashes was born symbolizing the enduring rivalry between these two cricketing nations.

As we witness the battles unfold on the cricket field, we are reminded of the immense progress women’s cricket has made, with players showcasing their exceptional talent, commitment, and passion for the sport. In this article, we will explore the five best bowling spells in Women’s Ashes Test history.

5. Ellyse Perry – 7/22 (First Innings), 4/31 (Second Innings) in 2017

Ellyse Perry. (Photo Source: Twitter)

On November 9, 2017, in the opening Test match of the Women’s Ashes series, Ellyse Perry delivered a spellbinding performance with the ball. With her swing, seam movement, and impeccable line, she weaved a web that left the English batters struggling to find their footing. She displayed a terrific bowling performance in both the innings for her side.

Perry’s figures of 7/22 in the first innings were remarkable, as she dismantled the English batting lineup with clinical precision. Her mastery over swing and seam ensured that she constantly challenged the edges of the bats and induced numerous false shots. She dismantled the batting unit of England, and restricted them to a low total.

Perry’s second-innings figures of 4/31 highlighted her control and resilience, as she continuously troubled the English lineup, picking up crucial wickets and snuffing out any chances of a comeback. Perry showcased her ability to generate pace, swing, and accuracy, consistently challenging the English batters and leaving them in disarray.

4. Katherine Brunt – 10/87 (Match figures) in 2005

Katherine Brunt. (Photo Source: Twitter)

On February 17, 2005, in the sole Test match of the Women’s Ashes series, Katherine Brunt delivered a mesmerizing performance with the ball. Brunt’s bowling display was a masterclass in pace, control, and wicket-taking ability. With the weight of the Ashes rivalry on her shoulders, Katherine Brunt delivered a spellbinding performance that will forever be remembered.

Brunt’s figures of 10/87 in the match were a testament to her skill and dominance. With her superb swing and seam movement, she consistently troubled the Australian batters, making it incredibly difficult for them to settle at the crease. From the very first delivery of the match, Brunt exuded confidence and intent.

Katherine Brunt’s remarkable feat in the 2005 Women’s Ashes Test left an indelible mark on the series and women’s cricket as a whole. Brunt’s remarkable figures of 10/87 played a pivotal role in England‘s victory. Her ability to consistently take wickets, disrupt partnerships, and apply pressure on the opposition played a pivotal role in turning the tide in England’s favor.

3. Betty Wilson – 7/7 (First Innings) and 4/17 (Second Innings) in 1958

Betty Wilson.(Photo Source: Twitter)

On January 25, 1958, in the second Test of the Women’s Ashes series, Betty Wilson delivered a spellbinding performance with the ball. As Australia took to the field, Wilson showcased her unmatched control, flight, and spin, immediately unsettling the English batters.

Wilson’s figures of 7/7 in the first innings were nothing short of remarkable. Her magical spin and impeccable accuracy flummoxed the English batting line-up, as she took wickets at regular intervals. The English batters  struggled to read her deliveries, falling prey to her subtle variations in flight and spin.

Once again, Wilson displayed her mastery over spin bowling, bamboozling the opposition batters with her guile and control. Wilson’s figures of 4/17 in the second innings were a testament to her skill and dominance, as she relentlessly spun a web around the rival batters, sealing Australia’s victory.

2. Ashleigh Gardner – 4/99 (First innings) and 8/66 (Second innings), Ashes 2023

Ashleigh Gardner Celebration. (Photo Source : Gettyimages)

In the highly anticipated Women’s Ashes Test in 2023, Ashleigh Gardner produced an extraordinary performance with the ball that left spectators in awe. The match, played at a prestigious venue, saw Gardner rise to the occasion with her exceptional spin bowling.

Gardner’s mesmerizing figures of eight wickets for an astonishingly low number of runs showcased her immense talent and mastery over spin bowling. Her remarkable control and turn left the hosts perplexed, as they struggled to tackle her and eventually ended up on the losing front.

The significance of Gardner’s feat cannot be overstated. Her eight-wicket haul played a crucial role in restricting England to a meager total, putting Australia in a commanding position in the match. On the final day of the game, when Australia needed five wickets to win and England needed 152 runs to win, Gardner picked up all five wickets and led her side to a magnificent victory.

1. Enid Bakewell – 10/87 (Match figures) in 1968

Enid Bakewell. (Photo Source: Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)

On June 15, 1968, in the solitary Test match of the Women’s Ashes series, Enid Bakewell delivered an awe-inspiring performance with the ball. As England took the field, Bakewell immediately displayed her exceptional control, swing, and guile.

Bakewell’s figures of 10/87 in the match were a testament to her unwavering skill and dominance. Bakewell’s ability to consistently hit the right areas and extract movement ensured that she constantly posed challenges and induced false shots, resulting in a flurry of wickets.

Bowling with relentless accuracy, Bakewell exploited the conditions and troubled the Australian batters with her swing and seam movement. Bakewell’s second-innings figures of 4/40 highlighted her control and resilience, as she relentlessly picked up crucial wickets and stifled any hopes of an Australian revival.