Australia have recorded an 89-run victory over England in the only Ashes Test match after a sublime bowling performance from Ashleigh Gardner.
England had high hopes of reaching their 268-run target when they made a fast start to their reply on Sunday, but they were ultimately well beaten as Gardner posted sensational figures of 8-66 from 20 overs.
Throughout the first four days at Trent Bridge, the batters dominated with Australia's Annabel Sutherland hitting an unbeaten 137 in the first innings before Tammy Beaumont's 208 during England's reply.
When England put on 55 for the first wicket in the second innings on Sunday, they appeared in control of their own destiny as they bid to complete a famous win.
IT'S ALL OVER! ❌
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 26, 2023
Australia need less than a session to win the women's Ashes Test! 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/DGHQCOmjtn
However, the first of Gardner's eight dismissals came when she dismissed Beaumont for 22 yesterday, and she dominated the England batting order during the morning session on Monday.
Beginning the day on 116-5, England were clear underdogs to score another 152 runs, yet Gardner ensured that Australia's victory was emphatic as the hosts lasted just a further 21 overs.
Danni Wyatt, who later made 54, and Katie Cross initially showed intent before the former was out for 13, and spin bowler Gardner then ripped through the remainder of the team to post her career-best figures.
The achievement is made all the more impressive by her previous best before this Test match being just 2-83, while her only five-wicket haul in her career came when she recorded 5-12 in a T20 fixture.
