Women’s Ashes: this time it’s about more than just bragging rights | Beth Mooney
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The rivalry has become even hotter as players become more familiar with each other and both sides will start the series with a point to prove. We’ve got a point to prove. After missing out on the T20 World Cup in October, and the last Women’s Ashes series ending in a tie, this time it’s about more than just bragging rights. England will feel the same. It sets everything up for an excellent series.
![[Beth Mooney]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2025/01/10/Beth_Mooney.png?width=180&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
We want to show people what we can do as well. Following on from the men’s Test matches against India, the Ashes has come at a great time. Interest is already sky high. Everyone knows the rivalry that sits within the Ashes, whether it’s male or female, and we know we’re signing up for seven tense, high-quality contests.
![[Beth Mooney bats for Australia against England in a T20 at the Oval during the 2023 Women’s Ashes]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/bba5bfa4e1aa878c0ab923260fb1f0ad6621dc83/0_85_3158_1894/master/3158.jpg?width=445&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
The rivalry is real. The interactions between players since the franchise leagues have come in has changed things a bit, but that is all forgotten when we’re wearing different coloured shirts. Once you step over that line, you quickly put aside any friendships.
If anything, the contest becomes even hotter, because there’s a bit more banter and light sledging when you’ve got a good relationship with one or two players on the other side. It has actually made the game a lot better with healthy and friendly rivalry, both internally when we’re on the same team and externally when we’re not.
It was a great series in the UK in 2023, even if I don’t want to give them too much credit. They had 20,000 fans at Lord’s and the Oval, which was excellent, and there was a great crowd at Trent Bridge for the Test. I remember batting just before lunch on one of the days with the crowd really cheering on a couple of their bowlers to try and get some wickets, slow clapping as they were running in. It’s amazing to be getting these really cool experiences now as female athletes, to feel like we’re changing the landscape of sport around the world and making it a viable and attractive option for kids.
