In the second ODI of Women's Ashes 2025 in the middle Australia and England at Junction Oval, Melbourne, Australia leg-spinner Alan King he achieved great success which attracted the attention of the people and added a great dimension to his career. King produced an impressive performance in the first innings, leading to a clean sweep for England Danielle Wyatt-Hodge. This wicket ranked him 50th in the ODI format, which he achieved in just 36 matches.
Alana King's impressive feat
King's surprise victory came in the 17th over of England's innings, when he bowled a sensational delivery to Wyatt-Hodge. With a leg break that landed on his off stump and spun hard, the ball went past the batsman's defence, and clipped the top of the off stump. Wyatt-Hodge was unmarked, not firing as the ball hit the stumps. The clean run off the ball was a testament to King's skill and accuracy, and proved to be a huge game changer. Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed for a golden duck (0 off one ball), and Australia were back in the game. King's 50th wicket cemented his reputation as Australia's most important player.
Here is the video:
Alana King rips Danni Wyatt-Hodge's stumps for his 50th ODI wicket 🔥@hcltech #PlayoftheDay #Location pic.twitter.com/VoJaFtb4zI
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 14, 2025
Also READ: Comment on Twitter: Ashleigh Gardner leads Australia to win over England in 1st ODI | Women's Ashes 2025
King strikes again: Nat Sciver-Brunt falls with a fish in a surprise
King was not finished with just one wicket. In the 23rd half, he struck again, this time clearing it well Nat Sciver-Brunt. Sciver-Brunt, who is supporting England's innings with a perfect knock of 35 (57 balls, including 5 fours), tried to look for a full delivery from King to his leg stump. However, the ball bounced too high, and Sciver-Brunt's forward fell into the air, right. Phoebe Litchfield he was expecting to catch fish in the covers. Sciver-Brunt's departure at this stage was a major blow to England's chances, and King's second wicket in as many overs brought Australia into the contest.
Turning the tide: Two wickets over
England's 39-run innings showed King at his best. First, he scattered Charlie Deanwho tried to shoot leaning under pressure from dot balls. Countless timed shots made it easy to catch Beth Mooney on the slip. On the very next ball, King sent Sophie Ecclestone to carry. A sharp leg break outside tried Ecclestone to be a cutie, and a wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy he ended up holding tightly. King wrapped up his 10-over spell with impressive figures of 4/25.
“In the shadows of the Shane Warne Stand, the Australian leggie is making things happen…”
Alana King missed out on a hat-trick by a margin, but put the Aussies ahead in Melbourne. #Location pic.twitter.com/afGGI1sVn4
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 14, 2025
Also READ: Three Australian players to miss out on 2025 Champions Trophy squad after playing in ODI World Cup 2023
This article was originally published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.