Before Saturday, England's women had not won an Ashes series for 42 years but that all changed at New Road with a six-wicket victory, just a week after their first one-day win over Australia in 12 years.

BBC Sport takes a closer look at the 11 players who have taken women's cricket in England to new level.

At the time of her debut as a 16-year-old against New Zealand in 1996, she was the youngest ever player to be capped by her country - a record recently lost to Holly Colvin. A serious knee injury interrupted her career but she bounced back to be named women's Player of the Year twice in succession.

The 28-year-old started her career as a fairly pedestrian medium-pacer but has since transformed herself into an aggressive top-order batsman. Away from the game, she juggles her two children, a sports science degree and her career as a professional coach.

The 'baby' of the side at 19, and daughter of former Nottingham Forest defender Bryn Gunn. Started her international career batting at number seven but has impressed enough to move up the order and also opens the bowling for good measure.

England's 29-year-old captain is a teacher at Brighton College and part-time broadcaster when she's not wearing her cricket gear. Has also led Sussex to three successive women's county titles. Nicknamed 'Des O' by her team-mates, but she can still count on their enthusiam and 100% support.

Taylor first made her way into the international set-up in 1998 having given up a flourishing international hockey career - she played for England at under-17 and subsequently under-19 level. Has three Test centuries to her credit and is also a heavy scorer in one-day cricket. She also has a degree in maths from Oxford University.

The 23-year-old Lancastrian is the only married player in the current England squad. Her 101 not out saved England from defeat in the first Test of the summer and she is also a brilliant fielder. When not playing cricket, she is a keen football and tennis player.

Once described herself as a "bit batty". She celebrated her 20th birthday just before the start of the Ashes series and is seen as one of England's most promising youngsters. She is also a fan of 70s music.

A utility player, who can be relied on to keep things tight from one end with the ball and chip in with useful lower order runs. Took the vital wicket of Emma Liddell to leave England with a target of only 75 to win the Ashes at Worcester.

Smit is the most successful wicket-keeper in women's cricket with some 120 dismissals under her belt in Tests and one-day matches. The 32-year-old is celebrating her 14th year with the England squad and was part of the World Cup-winning team in 1993.

The Barnsley-born bowler, whose idol is Darren Gough, is just a year into her Test career but has stepped into the role of main strike bowler following the retirement of Lucy Pearson. Took nine wickets in the win over Australia at Worcester and hit 52. Was once captained by Gough's brother Adrian in a Barnsley second XI which included her own brother and father.