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No 'unsafe pitch' worries for Ashes Test

An unsafe pitch at North Sydney Oval saw a JLT One-Day Cup match abandoned, the same venue that hosts the first day-night Women's Ashes Test

Australia Women's coach Matthew Mott is confident North Sydney Oval will be capable to host the day-night Women's Ashes Test next month after a JLT Cup match was abandoned at the venue yesterday due to an unsafe pitch.

Chasing 145 to beat NSW, Victoria's innings of 4-108 was abruptly ended after 26 overs when the match officials deemed the pitch unsafe following a series of deliveries that jumped unexpectedly off a length.

The on-field umpires – Phil Gillespie and John Ward – had raised concerns with match referee Darryl Harper about the uneven wicket during the first innings, but after seeing a handful of balls react dangerously in the Victorian innings – including in what proved to be the game's final over – the fixture was terminated and the Bushrangers handed a bonus-point win.

A Cricket Australia spokesperson confirmed on Sunday night that CA would conduct a thorough investigation into circumstances of the unusual abandonment.

North Sydney Oval, known for its small dimensions and historically high scores in limited-overs cricket, is set to host the Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes Series Test starting on November 9, the first-ever day-night Ashes contest.

What is the Women's Ashes?


The wicket used on Sunday was not planned to be used for the Women's Test and Mott has no fears about the Test pitch for what will be a crucial match in the multi-format series.

"North Sydney Oval has always been a bating paradise and to have one a little bit different is probably good, about time the bowlers got a little bit back," Mott said on Monday from Brisbane.

"I'm sure it will be a great wicket. It's still a little while away as well and any issues that might have been there will be rectified, I'm sure."

Mott and the Southern Stars are completing their final preparation in Brisbane ahead of the first one-day international against England at Allan Border Field on Sunday.

Wet weather washed out a scheduled warm-up match today but the Australians will tackle a Cricket Australia XI on Tuesday before playing an intra-squad match on Friday.

Australia hold the Women's Ashes after winning in 2015 abroad with one match left to play and need only a drawn series to retain the trophy.

Aussie Women on the importance of the Baggy Green


In the multi-format series, two points are awarded for a limited-overs victory (ODI and T20I) and four points for winning the sole Test match. Points are shared in matches resulting in a 'no result'.

Two years ago Australia won the ODI leg ahead of the Test match and Mott hopes to replicate that fast start this summer.

"There's no doubt you want to start the series well," Mott said. "Across the board nobody wants to get behind.

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"You then have the ability if you get off to a good start to, not relax, but get into your game and you know that you can trust your plans.

"It's a huge game the first game. It's the only one we really care about at the moment. We've practiced against the pink ball but that's down the track.

"The last tournament we played in was a one-day World Cup, England were the champions.

"It's going to be a hell of a battle over the next three games."

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes

Australia squad (ODI and Test): Rachael Haynes (C), Alex Blackwell (VC), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa (Test only), Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.

England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Nat Sciver, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.


Schedule



First ODI Allan Border Field, October 22

Brisbane Charity Partner: Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust

Second ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 26

Third ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 29

Coffs Junior Cricket Association Partners: Coffs Harbour District JCA, Nambucca Bellingen JCA, and Clarence River JCA

Day-Night Test North Sydney Oval, November 9-12

First T20 North Sydney Oval, November 17

North Sydney Charity Partner: McGrath Foundation

Second T20 Manuka Oval, November 19

Third T20 Manuka Oval, November 21

Canberra Charity Partner: Lord's Taverners ACT