Jones says England women 'pretty relaxed' in Ashes comeback bid

Jones says England women 'pretty relaxed' in Ashes comeback bid

Cricket

The series concludes with the third ODI at Taunton on Tuesday

London (AFP) – England wicketkeeper Amy Jones has insisted there is no extra pressure on the hosts as they look to complete a remarkable series win in the Women's Ashes after being on the brink of a comprehensive defeat.

Heather Knight's team were 6-0 down in the multi-format series after losing both the lone Test and the first Twenty20 international against double white-ball world champions Australia.

But they have fought back impressively to be all square at 6-6 following a two-wicket win in the first one-day international in Bristol on Wednesday.

Victory in the second ODI at Hampshire's Ageas Bowl headquarters on Sunday leave England just a win away from regaining the Ashes for the first time since 2014 and inflict a first ODI-series defeat on Australia in a decade.

Jones, however, insisted England would still retain the "underdog" mentality that has served them well in recent games.

"I think everyone is feeling pretty relaxed," she told reporters on Saturday. "We had a good review of the game, looking at areas where we can improve still, which was really motivating as a group after a win.

"We've obviously got an opportunity to win the ODI series tomorrow so everyone is pretty excited about it."

The 30-year-old, who had the unenviable task of succeeding England great Sarah Taylor behind the stumps added: "We've gone the whole series feeling like underdogs and we're just trying to keep that mentality of acknowledging how good a side Australia are, but sticking to our strengths and trying to put them under as much pressure as possible during the game.

"It will be a similar mindset tomorrow I think. "I think there was more pressure when we were 6-0 down than there is now."

The series concludes with the third ODI at Taunton on Tuesday.