Perry cites ‘killer instinct’ after Ashes win

Australia

Australia have regained the Women's Ashes after beating England in the second T20 by 20 runs, leaving the final game a dead rubber as England had needed to win to stay alive for a series draw.

Australia star Ellyse Perry, who took 2/13 as the Aussies bowled England out for 87 in the chase, says it came down to her side's 'killer instinct' after their own batting proved dire as well, making just 107.

Renee Farrell was the key for the Aussies though as she took three wickets, and her side took an unassailable 10-4 series point lead with one game to play. England had needed to win all three T20s to draw the series and retain the Ashes.

Perry said on Sky Sports after the game: "The whole team has got a killer instinct to be honest. To take five wickets in the first six overs was a dream start, it was exactly what we needed to do.

"I think we felt we needed to take 10 wickets in less than 20 overs to win the game, and it’s so amazing how well everyone bowled and fielded today, so much better than last game.

"It’s unbelievable, especially to win in that fashion.

"England couldn't have bowled much better than they did today again, and for us to come out and do that, it’s probably the most special win I've been involved in, and it really says a lot about the character of the side."

Coach Matthew Mott said he told the women he wanted them to wrap the series up with a game to spare, not wait for the final T20 and thus put more pressure on themselves.

Mott told the CA website: "We spoke about making it sure it was World Cup final and not leaving it to wait for Cardiff.

"It was really important we played with that mentality because if we're being completely honest, in the first game (in Essex) we were a little bit off the pace.

"Maybe because it was quite a while since the Test I think we were expecting us to turn up and play well but it wasn't to happen.

"It was definitely a different mentality tonight. We were really disappointed with our batting in the first half. We thought we were at least 40-50 short of what par score was.

"As a group, we challenged them at halfway to make up for that and they responded extremely well which was amazing.

"It was quite a good wicket that. To keep them under that score and win by 20 runs was a fantastic achievement."

This is the first time Australia have won the Ashes in England in 14 years. The final T20 will be played in Cardiff on Monday.

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