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'Evolved massively': Knight's warning to Australia ahead of The Women's Ashes
Scott Bailey, AAP • January 11th, 2025 6:30 pm
Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP
Heather Knight has warned Australia they will face a far different England team this summer than the one that went winless on their last Ashes tour three years ago.
England have arrived in Sydney for Sunday's series-opening ODI as a genuine threat to Australia's 10 years of dominance, ranked No.1 in both the 50 and 20-over formats.
They also come with the confidence of drawing the last multi-format Ashes series in England in 2023, losing the Test before being the better side in the six white-ball games.
But it is not the first time England have arrived down under with hope, speaking with confidence ahead of Sunday's series opener at North Sydney Oval.
Australia won the Ashes in 2022 with a dominant display across the white ball fixtures | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
They were competitive in 2017-18 but failed to regain the Ashes, before losing the four completed white-ball games in 2021-22 and holding on for a draw in the Test.
"We didn't play very well, it's as simple as that," England's captain Knight said.
"But I think the side has evolved massively, particularly in terms of the youth that has come into the side.
"That fast-bowling group is a young group, but a hugely talented one. It's been great to see them grow over the past couple of years and build into confidence.
"I have certainly loved that side of captaincy, seeing those younger players have the opportunity to thrive and show what they can do. We have grown as a unit."
England only have three new faces from the one that toured in 2021-22, but one of those is impressive quick Lauren Filer.
Her equally-tall new-ball partner Lauren Bell has also improved significantly, while Sophie Ecclestone remains the best spinner in the world.
Australia's bid to retain the Ashes against a touring England begins at North Sydney on January 12 | Video: Scott Bailey
Nat Sciver-Brunt is still a force with bat and ball, while Tammy Beaumont was mammoth as England came back to draw the 2023 Ashes with Australia.
A fitness concern still remains over veteran seamer Kate Cross' back, and while Australia are at their best in 50-over cricket, England have won their past eight series in the format.
They also insist their T20 form is not a concern, after their shock exit in the group stage of the World Cup.
"We've had a few bumps along the way we have learned a lot from, but having that 2023 series gave us a lot of confidence," Knight said.
"That World Cup experience recently has shaped us as a side. It's made us really hungry to prove what we can do and fine tune the areas we need to."
