England on the brink of unwanted history after turbulent Women's Ashes series
England on the brink of unwanted history after turbulent Women's Ashes series
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Jon Lewis’ side have struggled Down Under and could suffer the worst-ever defeat in the multi-format era, Polly Starkie discusses where the series has gone wrong and the ramifications both on and off the field. The England women’s cricket team have probably never stolen the headlines the way they have over the past few weeks.
![[England Women’s coach Jon Lewis is under pressure after a disastrous series]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/24/14/350515c6e073e6c63d177a92b566bdb9Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzM3ODEyOTMy-2.78463115.jpg)
The Women’s Ashes has been a calamity for Jon Lewis’ team with increasing pressure on the coach and leadership to step down. On the field, performances have been incredibly disappointing. Questions were being asked but empathy was offered to the players from both fans and pundits. After all, those involved with cricket understand how hard touring Australia is for England teams.
![[Former England spinner Alex Hartley is working in Australia for TNT Sports and the BBC]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/21/9/12/Alex-Hartley.jpeg)
Former England spinner Alex Hartley has been working for BBC Test Match Special and Australia’s Channel 7 across this Ashes series. Back in October, Hartley raised concerns over England’s fitness levels following their shock exit from the T20 World Cup in the UAE.
![[Australia Women celebrate an England wicket in the Women's Ashes]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/24/14/11-436c6c0ed4204170bb922baac491089a.jpg)
These issues were reemphasised as England lost the first three ODI matches to an athletic and agile Australia, something Hartley mentioned again during commentary. At no point had Hartley mentioned specific names of players. Days later, the 31-year-old revealed on the BBC TMS podcast that England spinner and former Lancashire teammate Sophie Ecclestone refused to do a TV interview with her. "I've been hung out to dry by the England team,” she explained in the post-match debrief.
Fitness is often used to convey a misogynistic message when speaking about women’s sport. It’s a lazy way to be sexist. Alex Hartley, however, was right in raising the concerns. Her comments were not said to dismiss the capability of female athletes, it was to hold England accountable to a higher standard than the one they are currently performing at.
