Aussies punish England to retain the Ashes at a canter

Beth Mooney starred as Australia routed England by 57 runs in the first T20 international to retain the Ashes with the minimum of fuss.

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The hosts needed only 16 overs at the Sydney Cricket Ground to claim the two points they required to take an unassailable 8-0 lead in the series with Mooney’s 75 the backbone of a challenging total of 198 for seven.

Heather Knight’s side – who now have only pride to play for in the remaining two T20 fixtures and the single Test match – were set a record-equalling target of 199 to stay alive, but despite the best efforts of Sophia Dunkley, who blasted a defiant 59, they never got close.

England endured a dreadful start to their chase with openers Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge falling inside the opening seven balls with just four on the board.