Sydney, Jan 8 (NationPress) Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has made a strong case for an increased number of Test matches in the women’s Ashes series, expressing her wish for the multi-format series to be enlarged to nine matches, consisting of three T20s, three ODIs, and three Tests.
Since 2013, the women’s Ashes has been determined through a points system in a multi-format series that includes three T20s, three ODIs, and a single Test match. Points are awarded with two for white-ball games, while the Test match winner earns four, with points shared for draws, ties, and matches that are abandoned.
However, implementing this change may not be feasible until after the next Future Tours Programme cycle from 2025-2029.
"That’s quite a contentious issue currently. Everyone has their own perspective on it. Our summers are already very busy, so it would be challenging. However, personally, I would absolutely love to see three, three, three," Gardner expressed to reporters, as noted by Fox Cricket.
“This would undoubtedly lengthen the tours. I’m uncertain about how we could accommodate it, especially with the need to participate in overseas competitions as well. It will be intriguing to see where we stand in the next four to five years regarding this matter.
“I would love to engage in more Test cricket against England. Playing just the one Test often feels somewhat like a novelty. Given how our teams match up, it would be an exciting Test series to determine the eventual winner. However, I don’t think this will change in the near future,” she added.
England opener Tammy Beaumont also backed Gardner's proposal for the three, three, three format. "I completely agree with Ash ... I would love to see it. The most thrilling aspect of the Ashes is the narrative, the rivalry, and how it develops over time. The recent India and Australia men’s Test series demonstrated how narratives evolve in a five-match series, even in a three-match series.
“As an opening batter, that’s part of what makes the game enjoyable—trying to gain an edge over an opening bowler, and I believe this tension intensifies in Test cricket. That’s why I cherish wearing the whites,” Beaumont stated.
Nevertheless, outgoing Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley acknowledged that accommodating additional Test matches within the current schedule could pose difficulties, as the upcoming FTP cycle from 2025 to 2029 includes established annual windows for the Women’s Big Bash League in November, The Hundred in August, and the Women’s Premier League in January.
"The calendar is indeed a significant challenge. For the upcoming period, there isn’t much room available. Everything is already quite organized. In the immediate future, the focus is on identifying available space," Hockley commented to reporters at the SCG on Wednesday.
"I would like to see more countries participating in multi-format series. I believe it’s an excellent format ... it provides context to the series," he concluded.
