Harris Aims to Disgrace England with a 16-0 Ashes Win

Driven by tenacity, fortitude, and a desire to deprive England of any chance of recovery, the Australian women’s cricket team has set its sights on a commanding 16-0 Ashes scoreline.

The draw in the 2023 Ashes, where England’s comeback left Australia with subdued celebrations despite retaining the title, adds further motivation to their historic campaign.

Australia’s stand-in captain, Tahlia McGrath, and her teammate, Grace Harris, are determined to finish the series forcefully after securing the Ashes outright in Canberra, despite weather disruptions and DLS (Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method) calculations.

With the final T20I in Adelaide and the day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) remaining, Australia aims to achieve a flawless sweep.

“A Whitewash Would Be Outstanding,” Says Grace Harris

Grace Harris has been upfront about Australia’s lofty ambitions. Following the Canberra win, she boldly stated that a 16-0 result would be “outstanding” and a powerful statement against England. Join bpexch app for latest cricket news. 

“I've considered 16-0,” Harris told BBC Test Match Special. “It would be awesome if we could humiliate this England team with a whitewash because they are a very competitive team with some excellent players.”

The draw in the previous Ashes series left a bitter taste, driving Harris and her teammates to prove their dominance decisively this time around.

Canberra’s Dramatic Win

The penultimate T20I in Canberra was nothing short of a thriller. England appeared to have the upper hand when rain initially interrupted play, as per DLS calculations. 

However, when the rain returned with England needing 18 runs off five balls, Australia was declared the winner, despite Heather Knight’s valiant efforts to keep her team in contention. McGrath acknowledged the emotional toll of the match, expressing relief at securing the Ashes.

“It hasn’t set in yet. Watching DLS, run rates, and radars was a strange way to finish and win them outright. There was just so much drama in that game,” McGrath said. “I'm relieved and happy to have won it so early, but there are still two crucial games left.”

A Hunger for Excellence

Australia’s determination to complete a clean sweep reflects their relentless pursuit of improvement. Despite their success so far, McGrath admitted there is still room for the team to grow.

“[A whitewash] would be pretty special to us,” McGrath said. “We haven’t been satisfied for a while, and retaining the Ashes in England last year didn’t sit well with us. Even though we’ve played some excellent cricket, we can still do better.”

McGrath’s Redemption with the Bat

After struggling with her batting in the initial games, McGrath has bounced back with crucial contributions in the last three matches. Her performances have been pivotal in stabilizing Australia’s innings during key moments.

“The first two games, I kind of went into my shell,” McGrath acknowledged. “I returned to a blueprint that has worked for me in the past—just attempting to be a little more courageous and fearless.”

McGrath credited Grace Harris for easing the pressure during a challenging phase in Canberra, highlighting the team’s depth and camaraderie.

Australia’s Determination Meets England’s Resilience

While Australia has dominated, England’s resilience cannot be overlooked. Heather Knight’s tenacity and England’s overall competitiveness have made this Ashes series gripping. However, Australia’s ability to adapt, respond, and seize control at crucial moments has set them apart.

For Australia, this series is not just about retaining the Ashes but about erasing doubts from previous performances and solidifying their position as the best. With the final T20I and day-night Test approaching, all eyes are on Australia as they chase their 16-0 goal.

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Final Thoughts!

The ongoing Women's Ashes series encapsulates the intense rivalry between two elite teams. While Australia has already claimed the trophy, their quest for a 16-0 sweep underscores their relentless drive for greatness. 

Meanwhile, England has a chance to salvage pride and disrupt Australia’s plans in the final matches. As the cricketing world watches these high-stakes games, this Ashes series will be remembered for its drama, intensity, and the determination of both teams to leave their mark on history.