‘Feels like a novelty’: Aussie star calls for three Tests in Women’s Ashes

“Being able to kind of fight out for more of a Test championship [would be great]. We obviously have some really good white-ball games against England and other nations around the world, but I think the way that our two teams match up. I think it would be a really cool Test series to see who would come out on top.

“I don’t think that’s probably going to change anytime soon.”

Beaumont, who has played 10 Tests for England since 2013, says Australia’s recent men’s series against India showed the value of scheduling more matches.

“I completely agree with Ash. I think I’d love to see three-three-three,” Beaumont said. “The best thing about the Ashes is the narrative, the rivalry, and how it builds over time. You saw in the Australian men’s Test series, the narratives build in a five-match series.”

Outgoing Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley wants to see Australia play more nations in multi-format series but acknowledged that the condensed cricket calendar made it difficult.

“I think the opportunities and the international opportunities for women’s players are bigger than they’ve ever been before,” Hockley said.

“Scheduling is a real challenge. I’d love to see us play against a broader range of countries in that [multi-format series]. The challenge, as it remains, is the space in the calendar.”

Australia has not lost an Ashes series against England since 2013–14. The most recent series, in 2023 in the UK, ended in a tie at 8-8, meaning Australia retained the trophy.

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“The Ashes in general is such a big series,” Gardner said. “It’s pretty much just behind the World Cup for us, in my opinion.”

With rain forecast across the week in Sydney, players could be greeted with a lively pitch for the 50-over match at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.

Beaumont was asked if light rain and the presence of a red double-decker bus at a media event made her feel more at home.

“Well actually, I’ve had more games rained off in Sydney in my career than most of the time in England,” Beaumont said with a laugh. “I am feeling pretty at home.”