Summary:
- Inspite of England’s struggles, wicketkeeper Amy Jones still thinks their “best cricket is yet to come.”
- The wicketkeeper is hopeful they can win all remaining matches.
- Australia clinched the Women’s Ashes early with a decisive 57-run victory in the first T20 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
England wicketkeeper Amy Jones remains optimistic despite a challenging Women’s Ashes campaign, asserting that the team’s “best cricket is yet to come.”
Australia secured the series early after a commanding 57-run win in the first T20 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. England now looks to regain pride in the remaining matches which UK Bettors can get the best odds on.
England Could Still Draw the Series
Australia’s victory handed them an 8-0 indisputable lead in the points-based series, following their 3-0 sweep in the preceding one-day international (ODI) series.
With each white-ball match worth two points, England still have a chance to draw the series if they win all the remaining matches, starting with the second T20 in Canberra on Thursday.
Amy Jones acknowledged the disappointment felt within the squad and among fans but expressed confidence in England’s ability to finish strong.
We still feel positive that we can put on a show and entertain and inspire you all. There have been many moments where we could have won different games, which I guess makes it all the more frustrating. But we can absolutely draw from here. Our best cricket is yet to come, and we’re all really excited about that.
England, “Not Far Off” From Challenging Australia
Jones echoed captain Heather Knight’s sentiment that England are “not far off” from challenging Australia despite the lopsided scoreline in recent games.
Jones also addressed criticism the team has faced, including spinner Sophie Ecclestone’s decision to decline a post-match interview with former player Alex Hartley, who had earlier questioned England’s fitness levels.
I can only speak for myself, but I just don’t like to look at [media coverage] because I know it could get to me, and therefore it doesn’t serve me. It’s their job to criticise, and of course, it has an important purpose in growing the sport, but I don’t think I need the outside noise.
Reflecting on England’s second ODI defeat, where she struggled to manage the tail-end chase of a modest 181-run target, Jones admitted frustration.
I don’t think I’ve ever had to farm the strike in a game before, especially not for that long. It was very frustrating … I took that very hard.
Despite setbacks, Jones credited her teammates for their unity and believes the team is focused on finishing the series strongly.
England will look to turn their fortunes around with the Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting January 30 with latest offer available on a selection of Non UK Betting Sites.