Australia crushed a lamentable England by an innings and 122 runs in a one-off pink ball Test Saturday to complete a historic women's Ashes whitewash.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In the first women's Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground since 1949, the hosts wrapped up victory within three days to culminate a horror tour by the visitors.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Australia were in a class of their own all series, reinforcing the chasm between the two sides.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They won all three ODIs, three T20s along with the sole Test that comprised the multi-format Ashes, which has been points-based since 2013 -- two for a white-ball win and four for a Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It was the first time either side has scored a whitewash, ensuring the Ashes stayed firmly in the hands of Australia, which regained them on English soil in 2015 and has retained a tight grip ever since.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England arrived in high spirits after winning six of seven matches on their all-format tour of South Africa last month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But they were methodically worn down by an Australian side with far greater strength in depth.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After being dismissed for 170 in Melbourne, England dropped eight catches and missed a stumping on a shambolic day two.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It allowed the hosts to compile 440 on the back of Annabel Sutherland's majestic 163 and Beth Mooney's gritty 106.<\/p>\r\n\r\n