SYDNEY — It has taken just nine days for Australia's cricketers to retain the Women’s Ashes. The Australians won a fourth straight game in the multi-format series with a 57-run victory in the first of the three T20s between the rivals.

Australia retained the Women's Ashes with three matches to spare following their 57-run victory over England in the opening Twenty20 international in Sydney on Monday.

Women have always been involved in the Ashes. After all, the small terracotta-coloured urn that is permanently held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London was created by two women and one man in 1882.

Australia want to inflict more misery on England and seal a stunning series whitewash after retaining the Women’s Ashes at the earliest possible opportunity. The hosts’ 57-run victory in the first T20 at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw Australia take an unassailable 8-0 lead in the multi-format series.