England suffer shambolic Women’s Ashes defeat after free-hit confusion The defeat means that Australia lead the series 4-0 ahead of the third ODI on 15 January.
England fell to a dramatic defeat in the second of their Women’s Ashes ODI matches after confusion over a free-hit led to Australia completing a 21-run victory in Melbourne.
However, Amy Jones – who had scored 47 runs in the England chase – did not realise that she should have run from the final ball of the over, which was a free hit.
And even before the free-hit confusion, Jones had refused singles on the fifth ball of an over only to not get the hit on the final ball, leaving Bell to defend the entire 46th over.
It had been a positive performance in parts for the visitors, as England bowled Australia out for just 180 runs in 45 overs, with Sophie Ecclestone taking 4-35 and Alice Capsey on 3-22.
