England women's cricket: Five things we learned after Ashes success and Sri Lanka disappointment

There were record crowds throughout, with the peak of a drawn Ashes series contrasted by a shock defeat of the T20 series against Sri Lanka.

From Tammy Beaumont's double Test century to the emergence of a star fast bowler Mahika Gaur, It has certainly been a memorable summer, but what have we learned about the England team and their future?

1. Sewing department in good health

The retirement of legends Katherine Sciver-Brunt and Anya Shrubsole was always going to leave a void in the attack, but 2023 has shown that the future of the bowling department in England is bright.

The experienced Kate Cross is already established as a reliable, economical performer with the new ball for captain Heather Knight, but it's been a coming-of-age summer for Lauren Bell.

Bell, 22, took 14 wickets across the Ashes and, while she was the target of an attack from Georgia Wareham during the second international match of A day at Southampton, which saw Australia retain the Ashes, she still seemed a more confident and assured player after her second full year of international cricket.

Summer debutantes Lauren Filer and Gaur provide the excitement. Filer, 22, hit a speed of 76 mph in the Ashes Test, a dream personal debut where she dismissed star Ellyse Perry in both innings and captivated the crowd with her raw pace.

Gaur, the six-foot-tall 17-year-old, may not have tested herself yet against Australia, but she showed her bounce, swing and skill against Sri Lanka. She's a long way from finishing the article, but early signs suggest that she and Filer, if they can stay injury-free, will be playing international cricket for a long time.

There are still concerns surrounding Issy Wong, who went without a match during the Ashes and was dropped by Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred - ultimately played just once for England all summer in the defeat to Sri Lanka in the second T20, when his preparation difficulties were evident.

But Wong is still only 21 and has plenty of time to work on his game and come back in England. a fast bowling cartel, which also includes promising all-rounder Danielle Gibson.

2. Spin goes from strength to strength

The numbers speak for Sophie Ecclestone, who took a 10-wicket win against Australia in the Test before taking 10 wickets in the white-ball Ashes matches that followed.

While her summer unfortunately ended with surgery for a dislocated shoulder, the young woman from The 24-year-old remains, alongside Nat Sciver-Brunt, England's most reliable and dangerous player.

Ecclestone's fame appears to be helping England's other spinners, off-spinner Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn, leg-spinner, who goes about their business without much fanfare.

Since coach Jon Lewis Taking charge of England in November 2022, England's spinners have excelled, taking 18 wickets in the winter tour of the West Indies, 22 in the T20 World Cup in South Africa and 31 wickets in the Ashes. /p>

Dean, 22, took his maiden five-wicket haul for England in the final ODI against Sri Lanka to strengthen England's spin depth.

With Alice Capsey also available as a part-time option, England's spin stocks are enviable and could prove crucial in December's tour of India and next year's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.

3. Batters' concerns against spin

Although England's spinners are in fine form, concerns remain over the approach to play of the batting team. slow bowling.

England's success in the Ashes came despite the fact that the off-spinner Australian Ash Gardner took 23 wickets in the series. , including 12 in the Test.

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