There is a striking difference between England’s and Australia’s XI – and that difference told as the hosts were the first to put points on the board in the 2025 Women’s Ashes when winning the opening one-day international by four wickets in Sydney.

Australia have made a winning start to the Womens Ashes by beating England by four wickets in the opening one-day international in Sydney.

The Women’s Ashes kicks off at North Sydney on Sunday with Australia looking to retain the trophy on home soil.

Alyssa Healy will tell Australia to ensure they throw the first punch in the Ashes, knowing an early blow could prove hard to overcome in a congested series.

Alyssa Healy’s stated ambition on the eve of this Women’s Ashes was to “throw the first punch”. Mission very much accomplished. England limped away from North Sydney on Sunday evening with a bloody nose,