Dani Wyatt-Hodge has warned England of the Australian batting order ahead of the Women’s Ashes. With the 2025 Women’s Ashes around the corner, England’s experienced batter isn’t taking Australia lightly. Set to feature in her eighth Ashes series, Wyatt-Hodge praised the Aussies for their batting depth and resilience. She dismissed any talk of Australia being on the decline following their surprise semi-final defeat, emphasizing that they remain a formidable opponent.
Australia’s Batting Depth Remains Intact
Since failing to reach the T20 World Cup final for the first time since 2009, Australia have been on a winning streak. Australia has been in red-hot form in ODIs, claiming five consecutive victories during their home summer. They swept India 3-0 and followed it up with a 2-0 series win against New Zealand, showing why they remain a powerhouse in women’s cricket.
One of the key players in their recent success has been 21-year-old Georgia Voll. With an impressive ODI average of 86.50 and a strike rate of 108.80, Voll has quickly secured her spot in Australia’s white-ball squad.
“No, not at all, they’re a quality squad,” Wyatt-Hodge said when asked if Australia had weakened. “Anyone in their squad that comes in performs. Look at Georgia Voll, she’s had an outstanding start to her ODI career. Anyone in their line-up is capable of match-winning performances.”
England Draws Confidence from Previous Ashes
In the 2023 Ashes, England proved they could challenge Australia by winning both white-ball legs at home. Although Australia retained the trophy after a drawn series, England’s performance injected confidence.
“We’re going to take confidence from what happened,” Wyatt-Hodge said. “But we’re starting a new Ashes, obviously in their conditions. We all know how good the Aussies are, they’re a real quality team, full of world-class players.”
The upcoming Women’s Ashes in Australia is set to bring unique challenges for the visitors. Danni Wyatt-Hodge admitted that playing the Aussies on their home turf is no easy task.
“They bat so deep, don’t they, the Aussies?” she added. “Anyone that comes in is capable of getting some valuable runs for their team. They’re just so ruthless, they fight till the end.”
England’s Form on the Rise
England have also shown improvement since their group-stage exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. They ended the year with a triumphant tour of South Africa, winning the Test match, sweeping the T20Is 3-0, and losing just one ODI. Wyatt’s performances stood out as she topped the T20I run charts and finished second overall for England’s batting.
However, England’s camp is concerned with the tight Ashes schedule. England coach Jon Lewis criticized the cramped itinerary, which includes seven matches in just 22 days.
“We can’t moan about it, just got to embrace it and prioritize rest,” she said. “Once we’re on it, we’re on it. There’s a lot of hype around the Ashes and the first game. There’ll be a few nerves, but it’s all about who stays calmest.”
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