Australia retains the women’s Ashes in thrilling fashion

 After defeating England by an exciting three runs in the second one-day international of the series in Southampton, Australia has successfully defended the women's Ashes.

After an early batting meltdown, Ellyse Perry saved Australia on Sunday (local time) by leading them to a total of 7-282. It was therefore up to England to complete the second-highest chase in women's ODI history, but they were unable to do so despite Nat Sciver-Brunt's valiant century at more than a run per ball.

After Sciver-Brunt scored 111 runs in just 99 balls, England was only three runs away from victory when the game came down to the last ball.

Australia, desperate to end a three-game losing streak and win the series, fell behind a resilient England side early, falling to 2-27 and 4-102.

The visitors' spinners from Australia were the ones that saved England's innings, with Ashleigh Gardner and Alana King each taking three wickets in the middle overs to secure the victory.

However, Perry was Australia's true savior, batting a calm 91 to save the Australian innings before falling to Sophie Ecclestone in the deep in the final overs.

Perry had earlier contributed to a 56-run partnership with Ashleigh Gardner, and she and Annabel Sutherland (50 off 47) had added 81 runs for the sixth wicket.

On Sunday, it appeared that Australia may suffer their fourth straight defeat.

Australia was headed for a cheap score at that point, but Perry made sure her team had something to bowl at by playing well down the field and once hitting Ecclestone for six back over her head.

After reaching her first ODI half-century, Australia's seasoned batswoman appeared to be on track for another hundred before being out while attempting to take Ecclestone (3-40) on again. Sutherland then fell in the following over.

On Tuesday, Taunton will host the series' last one-day international match.

A Test victory earns four points (two points each in the event of a draw), and each ODI and T20 victory earns two points (one point each in the event of a tie).