Women’s Ashes top 20: The birth of the women’s Ashes at Lord's, the home of cricket

Australia is guaranteed to once again lift the women's Ashes trophy following the third one-day international against England on Tuesday. 

The Australians claimed the series after victory in the first two ODIs. But, like any good sporting celebration, it won't truly be complete until they get their hands on the silverware.

And while the story of the men's Ashes urn is fabled, the history of the women's series and trophy isn't quite as well known.

The very first contest between Australia and England's women in 1934-35 wasn't the Ashes at all.

In fact, at the time, England captain Betty Archdale said she «would much rather the term Ashes was not used».

These were women carving their own path and wanted their series to be distinct from the men's.

But, as the mythical status of the Ashes grew and captured both nations' imaginations, the women finally decided they too wanted a piece of that.

«There's just something about [the Ashes] that starts to conjure up some really emotional and [also] nationalistic pride,» former Australia women's captain Belinda Clark told ABC Sport.

The Ashes is one of the most storied rivalries in sport, with countless memorable moments from across the decades. What's your favourite from the Women's Ashes?

«The history of the actual Ashes for the men is almost connected to the history of the nation, really. So it is a very strong message around the importance of sport and, in this case, cricket to the country and the starting of this country.»

So after 34 Tests between Australia and England's women, six decades after the sides' first clash, cricket's classic rivalry was unified in name and spirit.

And Clark, one of the greatest Australian players in history, was fittingly at the centre of its creation.

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