How England are closing the gap with Australia
When Heather Knight's England take to the field in the Ashes, starting in Adelaide on Thursday (January 20), their performance will not be the only thing under the microscope. The series will also help to gauge whether the increasing professionalisation of domestic women's cricket in England has helped bridge the gap with Australia, who started down the same route some years before.
Blame for the failings of England's men in their recently concluded Ashes series has been laid squarely at the door of county cricket by some, along with the focus on white-ball cricket - including the new Hundred tournament. By contrast, observers will watch England Women's progress Down Under for further evidence that domestic changes are building strength in depth and creating competition for places.
Blame for the failings of England's men in their recently concluded Ashes series has been laid squarely at the door of county cricket by some, along with the focus on white-ball cricket - including the new Hundred tournament. By contrast, observers will watch England Women's progress Down Under for further evidence that domestic changes are building strength in depth and creating competition for places.
