A superb batting display put Australia on the verge of retaining the Women’s Ashes with an 86-run win over England in the third and final ODI.
Ashleigh Gardner’s effort of 102 from as many balls helped propel the hosts to 308 in Hobart, with England falling to 222 in reply.
England’s bowlers started the match well, with Lauren Bell taking the wicket of the dangerous Ellyse Perry for just two runs, leaving the hosts under pressure at 46 for three.
But half-centuries from Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath and Gardner’s superb century turned the tide of the match, ultimately setting a daunting figure for England to chase down.
The visitors’ tour at the crease got off to an unnecessary start with opener Maia Bouchier dismissed for a duck, but 54 from Tamsin Beaumont and 61 from Nat Sciver-Brunt kept England’s hopes alive.
Those dreams were quickly dashed, however, with Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s dismissal at 200 for five, quickly followed by Alice Capsey’s duck.
England managed just 21 runs from there, with the visitors needing to win the remaining three T20s and the Test match to regain the Ashes.