Tammy Beaumont & Ash Gardner Push for More Tests in Ashes

Tammy Beaumont, the England batter and Ash Gardner, the Australia all-rounder have both called for more Test matches in the Women’s Ashes series. Currently, the multi-format series includes three one-day internationals, three T20s and a single Test which is played last and is worth four points while each white-ball match is worth two points. This format sometimes results in situations where one team only needs a draw to win the series while the other must secure a victory. Beaumont, touring Australia for the third time expressed her desire to see three matches of each format in the Ashes.

She highlighted the long-standing rivalries and narratives that unfold in the Test format especially as an opening batter. Tammy Beaumont enjoys the challenge of Test cricket and believes it provides more opportunities for players to outplay opponents. Similarly, Gardner, who earned Player of the Series in 2023 for her 23-wicket performance, supports the idea of three Tests in the series, stating that the current one-off Test often feels like a “formality.”

Despite their enthusiasm, both players recognize the challenges of fitting multiple Tests into their packed schedules. England does not have a home Test scheduled for this summer but will face India in the first women’s Test at Lord’s in 2026. Gardner, who appreciates the intensity of the Ashes, suggested that adding more Test matches would deepen the competition.

In the 2023 Ashes, Australia won the opening five-day Test while England fought back with strong white-ball performances, ending the series 8-8. The upcoming series will feature a four-day day-night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on January 30. England needs an outright win to regain the Ashes for the first time in a decade.