Gardner smashes run-a-ball maiden century as Aussies on verge of retaining Ashes

Australia are on the verge of retaining the women’s Ashes after Ashleigh Gardner’s maiden international century set up an 86-run win over England.

The in-form 27-year-old hit a run-a-ball 102 in Friday’s third ODI in Hobart after coming to the crease with the green and gold wobbling at 4-59.

Gardner stabilised with Beth Mooney (50) before Tahlia McGrath (55 from 45 balls) and an unbeaten 12-ball 38 from Georgia Wareham pushed Australia to 8-308.

England’s chase showed promise when opener Tammy Beaumont (54) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (61) combined for an 89-run stand after the loss of two early wickets. 

But Wareham, playing her first match of the series, struck crucial blows with her leg spin in the middle overs to remove the pair in quick succession. 

Phoebe Litchfield pulled off a stunning diving catch in the 37th over to get rid of the dangerous Danni Wyatt-Hodge (35) off Alana King. 

King ran through the tail to claim 5-46 after starring with 4-25 in the second ODI.

England lost 6-22 to end their innings, which finished on 222 in the 43rd over.

Australia, who hold the Ashes, have a six-points-to-zero lead in the multi-format series after winning all three ODIs. 

They need to reach eight points to retain the silverware, with attention turning to Monday’s first of three T20s which are all worth two points.

The series concludes with a four-point day-night Test at the MCG. 

Gardner, who played in key hand in the first ODI with unbeaten 42, surpassed her previous ODI top score of 74, struck against New Zealand in Wellington in December. 

She kicked on after combining for a 95-run partnership with Mooney, who was out with almost 18 overs left when she skied a Charlie Dean delivery. 

Gardner also had a moment of brilliance in the field when she navigated the boundary rope and threw the ball back to complete a catch. 

Earlier, after winning the toss, Australia’s much-vaunted top three of Litchfield (15), Alyssa Healy (15) and Ellyse Perry (two) failed to fire. 

Litchfield was given not out on the field but an England review revealed she had gloved a Lauren Filer delivery to wicketkeeper Amy Jones.

England’s top-class spinner Sophie Ecclestone (1-76) was expensive after taking six wickets across the first two ODIs.