BARNOLDSWICK'S Arran Brindle hit the winning runs for England as the ladies' team won their first Ashes series since 1963 last Saturday.

While the whole country waits excitedly to see if the men can regain the Ashes at the Oval, the ladies created their own piece of history in the second test at New Road, Worcester.

And fittingly it was the former Skipton Girls' High School pupil who saw England home for she had been instrumental in saving the first test at Hove.

There, Brindle batted for four hours in making her maiden test century (101no) to ensure England gained a draw on the final day.

At Worcester, with nerves fraying at 39-4 and chasing a victory target of just 75, Brindle made 24 not out, putting on an unbeaten 36 with Lydia Greenway (10no).

Her winning runs saw England win a test against Australia for the first time since 1984 and was the cue for huge celebrations in the home dressing room.

Brindle made 20 in England's first innings total of 289 which gave them a lead of 158. Katherine Brunt was the hosts' hero as she made 52 before taking 4-64 in Australia's second innings which saw them all out for 232, leaving England only a modest target to chase.

England were hoping to make it a test and one-day double yesterday, in the limited overs decider at Taunton. They squared the series 2-2 at the same venue on Tuesday.

They won by four wickets as they successfully chased Australia's total of 215-5. Claire Taylor made 116 which included a stand of 61 with Brindle - who used to be called Thompson - who made 23.