In the current Women’s Ashes, England Women have experienced a run of disappointing outcomes. England recently lost the first of the three Twenty20 Internationals by a decisive 57-run margin in Sydney, after their thumping at the hands of Australia Women in the three-match ODI series.
Nasser Hussain, a former English cricket player who is now a commentator, compared the current performance of the women’s team to his playing days with the men’s team. He gave the Australian unit credit for their professional appearance.
“I’m reminded a lot of when we were playing out there by the response and what has transpired. We weren’t whitewashed, in my opinion, and the England women’s team hasn’t been either, despite losing their opening four games. The Ashes are over; although in different formats, I lost them in 12 days and Heather Knight in 9. The disappointment must be immense. Australia has demonstrated their class. Australia hasn’t lost an ODI series at home in 38 years, which shows how good they are as a cricketing nation, Hussain said on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast.
I felt that Alex Hartley’s statement was rather reasonable: Nasser Hussain
Hussain also commented on Alex Hartley’s moving comments about the team’s level of fitness following their early elimination from the Women’s T20 World Cup last year.
“I felt that Alex Hartley’s remarks were rather reasonable. Calling it like she sees it is part of her job description. Reacting is a natural part of you; I’ve been there, holding up three fingers to Jonathan Agnew, Bob Willis, and Ian Botham. You have an obligation to handle the media as well. However, in the men’s game, I have really encountered the occasional player who will inquire, “Who is conducting the interview?” Specifically, she questioned the fielding and the fitness. And it’s clear that certain team members have taken offense to it. We’ve had a frustrating few weeks,” he said.
After two T20Is, England will play a one-off pink-ball Test later this month. How Heather Knight & Co. respond to the recent defeats will be intriguing to watch.
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