Wyatt-Hodge warns of Australia’s batting depth ahead of Women’s Ashes

Dani Wyatt-Hodge warned England to Australian batting order ahead of the Women’s Ashes. With the ashes of women in 2025 around the corner, of England the experienced batsman is not taking Australia lightly. Set to feature in her eighth Ashes series, Wyatt-Hodge praised the Australians for their batting depth and resilience. She dismissed any talk of Australia’s slump after their surprise semi-final defeat, insisting they remain a tough opponent.

Australia’s batting depth remains intact

Since failing to reach the T20 World Cup final for the first time since 2009, Australia have been on a winning streak. Australia have been in hot form in ODIs, making it five straight wins during their summer at home. They swept India 3-0 and followed that up with a 2-0 series win against New Zealand, showing why they are still a force in women’s cricket.

One of the key players in their recent success has been 21-year-old Georgia Voll. With an impressive ODI average of 86.50 and a strike rate of 108.80, Voll quickly secured her place in Australia’s white-ball squad.

“No, not at all, they’re a quality team,” Wyatt-Hodge said when asked if Australia had weakened. “Everyone who comes in their team performs. Look at Georgia Voll, she has had an outstanding start to her ODI career. Everyone in their lineup is capable of winning performances.”

England draw confidence from the previous ashes

In the 2023 Ashes, England proved they can challenge Australia by winning both their white-ball matches at home. Although Australia retained the trophy after a series draw, England’s performance was a confidence booster.

“We’ll take confidence from what happened,” Wyatt-Hodge said. “But we are launching a new Ashes, obviously on their terms. We all know how good the Australians are, they are a really quality team, full of world class players.”

The upcoming Women’s Ashes in Australia will bring unique challenges to visitors. Danni Wyatt-Hodge admitted that playing the Australians on their home turf is no easy task.

“They hit so deep, don’t they, Aussies?” she added. “Everyone who comes in is capable of scoring some valuable runs for their team. They’re just so ruthless, they fight to the end.”

English form on the rise

England also showed improvement since being knocked out in the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024. They ended the year with a triumphant tour of South Africa, winning the Test match, sweeping the T20Is 3-0 and losing just one ODI. Wyatt’s performances stood out as she topped the T20I run charts and finished second overall for England batting.

However, the busy Ashes schedule is a concern in the England camp. England coach Jon Lewis has criticized the cramped itinerary that includes seven games in just 22 days.

“We can’t regret it, we just have to accept it and prioritize rest,” she said. “Once we’re on it, we’re on it. There is a lot of hype around the Ashes and the first game. There will be some nerves, but it’s all about who stays calmer.”

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