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England and Australia both came close to winning the title in thrilling finishes before Canberra’s one-off Test ended in a draw to keep the women’s ashes alive.
Australia captain Meg Lanning’s attacking manifesto ahead of the fourth and final day of tea set England on target of 257 runs to win 48 overs and the hosts will keep the ashes if they win .
The visitors were expecting a famous victory as they needed 45 runs over the last 60 balls with seven wickets in hand.
However, Australia fought back and became the favourites after beating England 9-244 in the 46th game.
However, the final twist in the story was when Kate Cross and Sophie Ecclestone sunk Australia over the last 13 balls to secure a dramatic draw.
Australia started the final day 12-2 but held a 52-point lead on a frayed field and looked to clinch a victory and four points that would extend their series lead to an unassailable 8-2.
Beth Mooney (63) and Ellyse Perry (41) repaired the damage from Katherine Brunt’s late double drive the day before, shooting 91s in the third wicket.
Ashleigh Gardner (38) and Tahlia McGrath (34) also contributed well, giving Lanning a chance to declare 216-7, setting the stage for a surprising final.
Needing more than five runs, but knowing they would prevail in a victory for the Ashes, England began their chase with gusto.
Tammy Beaumont (36) and Lauren Winfield-Hill (33) set the stage with a 52-under start in 14 rounds ahead of captain Heather Knight – fresh off her stunning first Standout in 168 innings – Nat Seaver and Sophia Dunkley pick up the tempo.
Knight hit 48 of 54 and 58 of 62 before Dunkley hit five fours and two sixes in her 45 of 32 as England put themselves in the box seat for an extraordinary victory.
But Australia made a strong comeback, after dropping England from a 3-218 strength position to 9-244, the home side were suddenly the favourites as Knight’s side continued their hunt for victory.
Australia needed just one wicket to seal the Ashes, but Kroos beat England in the final two to seal a draw for England in a nerve-wracking finish.
The result was two points apiece, with Australia leading 6-4 into the final three one-day international matches.
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