On the February 2008 tour to Australia and New Zealand Claire Taylor, Class of '89, was the batsman who secured England's victory in both the Ashes match and the one day series against New Zeland.  England only needed to draw with Australia to retain the Ashes but they won in style with six wickets.  Claire followed her first-innings 79 with an unbeaten 64. In the two wins  against New Zealand it was Claire again who was vital.  Having lost the first match they went on to win the second by nine wickets with 32 balls remaining.  Claire hit 111 not out in as many balls.  In the third match England won by six wickets with Claire making 70. Claire was also one of three women shortlisted for international women's cricket player of the year!