Australia smashes Ireland by 153 runs in mammoth ODI win in Dublin

After losing four of six white-ball games to England in the Ashes, the Australian team took out its frustrations on Ireland in Dublin.

Ellyse Perry didn’t field after suffering a minor knee injury but did enough with the bat for Australia to bounce back from a losing ODI series against England to smash minnows Ireland in Dublin.

Perry fell just short of a third ODI century, whacking three sixes and nine fours on her way to 91 as Australia racked up a mammoth 7-321 before rolling the home team for just 168 to record a 153-run win.

With Australia not at their best against England, despite retaining the multi-format Ashes, captain Alyssa Healy, said it was good to see her teammates “have a proper crack” in the win.

“It was nice to get out there and just put a good performance out there,” Healy said.

“That’s what we’ve been asking for for the last six weeks and we haven’t done it consistently.

“It was nice to see everyone have a proper crack today and do really well.”

Here we go! Alyssa Healy and Phoebe a Litchfield opening the batting for 🇦🇺

Orla Prendergast has the ball for ☘️ #IREvAUSpic.twitter.com/uNgSrtaSSb

— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) July 25, 2023

Perry reported feeling knee soreness after her 99-ball knock and didn’t field as a precaution. She was moving freely after the game and will be assessed ahead of Friday’s final game.

It was a perfect hitout for the Aussies, after the opening match was washed out, and a team tally of 30 fours and 10 sixes showed the sort of domination with the bat that was rare against England.

Superstar all-rounder Ash Gardner smashed 65 off just 39 balls, while Beth Mooney, who dropped down the order and batted at number five, also made 49.

Playing against her old country, Australian bowler Kim Garth returned miserly figures of 1-9 off six overs and earnt praise from Healy.

“She could have bowled 10 on the trot there,” Healy said.

“It‘s great to see her back here, she is smiling so much. To see her enjoy her cricket, it’s really special to see.”

Spinner Georgia Wareham was the best of the Australian bowlers, snaring 3-33.

Originally published as Australia smashes Ireland by 153 runs in mammoth ODI win in Dublin