Ryana MacDonald-Gay has earned her place in England’s Women’s Ashes Test squad after an impressive debut in South Africa this month. The 20-year-old seam bowler has played two ODIs and one T20I since her international debut in September during England’s tour of Ireland. She impressed with figures of 2 for 50 in South Africa’s first innings and contributed to England’s dominant 286-run victory.
MacDonald-Gay is one of several fresh faces in England’s Ashes squad. Allrounder Freya Kemp, left-arm spinner Linsey Smith, and wicketkeeper-batter Bess Heath, returning from a fractured thumb, have also earned selections. Fast bowler Mahika Gaur will join the group as she continues her recovery from injury. Maia Bouchier, who scored a century on Test debut in South Africa, has been named in all three squads.
England head coach Jon Lewis expressed confidence in the squads, emphasizing a mix of youth and experience. The team will travel to Sydney on January 2, playing a warm-up match against a Governor General’s XI on January 9. The multi-format Ashes series features three ODIs, three T20Is, and a day-night Test at the MCG.
The ODIs will take place in Sydney, Melbourne, and Hobart starting January 12, followed by T20Is in Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide. The Test match will conclude the series from January 30 to February 2. Each ODI and T20I is worth two points, while the Test offers four points.
In the 2023 Ashes, Australia won the opening Test, while England dominated the white-ball formats, resulting in an eight-all draw. England now aims to reclaim the Ashes with a strong blend of emerging and seasoned players.
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