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Ashes rivals Ashleigh Gardner and Tammy Beaumont have called for more Test cricket to be played in future series between their sides.
England opener Beaumont and Australia all-rounder Gardner are set to go head to head in the multi-format women’s series, which begins with the first ODI in Sydney this weekend, but came together to speak up for an increase in Test matches.
The current schedule sees three 50-over games, three T20s and a solitary long-form game, due to be staged this time as a day-nighter at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
But there is a feeling in both dressing rooms that evening up the programme would add to the spectacle.
“Personally I would love to see three, three and three. I would just love to play more Test cricket against England,” said Gardner.
“Playing the one Test feels like a bit of a novelty at times. We have good white-ball games against England and other teams around the world, but the way our teams match up it would be a really cool Test series.”
Beaumont, who hit an England record score of 208 in the sides’ last meeting in 2023, echoed her opponent’s sentiments.
- Jan 11 – 1st ODI, Sydney
- Jan 13 – 2nd ODI, Melbourne
- Jan 16 – 3rd ODI, Hobart
- Jan 20 – 1st T20, Sydney
- Jan 23 – 2nd T20, Canberra
- Jan 25 – 3rd T20, Adelaide
- Jan 30-Feb 2 – Only Test, Melbourne
“I completely agree with Ash. I would love to see three, three and three,” she said.
“The best thing about the Ashes is the narrative, the rivalry and how it builds over time. As an opening batter that’s why you love the game, it’s a battle of trying to get one up over an opening bowler. It builds even more in Test cricket.”
In the current format each side takes two points for winning a white-ball match, while the single Test which concludes the series carries an additional weighting with four points up for grabs.
