AUSTRALIA RETAIN WOMEN'S ASHES

Victory in first T20 gives hosts an unassailable series lead

Australia have retained the Women's Ashes following a comprehensive victory in the first T20I against England.

After restricting their guests to 132 for nine, having won the toss at the North Sydney Oval, the Aussies knocked off the runs for the loss of just four wickets.

Following two one-day international victories and the drawn Test between the sides, Australia now have an unassailable lead in the multi-format series.

There are still two T20 matches to play, both in Canberra, and Aussie all-rounder Ellyse Perry doesn't want her team to let up now.

"On the whole I thought it was a great performance and we were egged on by an amazing crowd, which was wonderful," she told BT Sport.

"It’s really nice to win tonight but we’d like to win the next two as well. It’s been a great challenge for us this series and we’ve been fortunate to play some really great cricket and we’ve been consistent.

"To finish off well in Canberra will be very important for us. It’s really nice to retain the Ashes tonight but there’s two more games we’ve got to play well in.

"The performance tonight, Beth Mooney with the bat in particular was outstanding and it’s a very special time for women’s cricket."

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