England women have retained the Ashes after a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Australia in the first T20 International.
The result means that England had obtained an unassailable 10-4 lead over their hosts in the multi-format competition.
England Women cruised to 151-1 from 17.5 overs, captain Charlotte Edwards scoring 92 from 59 deliveries to make Australia’s competitive 150 look easy.
Nottinghamshire’s Jenny Gunn and Danielle Wyatt combined in the first innings, the former catching Jess Cameron off the first delivery of Wyatt’s third over.
“It’s difficult to put into words exactly what I am feeling at the moment,” said captain Charlotte Edwards.
“I am so proud of all the girls – every player in this squad has played their part out there.
“There are still two matches to play in this Women’s Ashes Series, and we want to win both of them. Australia can never be underestimated – as demonstrated by how they played in the second two ODIs against us – they are a very strong side and play with a lot of pride, so I expect them to come at us hard again in the remaining T20s.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last six months – the team has been overwhelmed by the level of encouragement that we have received.
“Having personally played international cricket for England for over sixteen years now, the volume of media coverage has been unprecedented, and I hope that our back-to-back Ashes victories will inspire more women and girls to play the game.”
England Women will face Australia in two more T20 Internationals with the series secured.