Australia Beat England In ODI Opener

Australia Beat England In ODI Opener

Shelley Nitschke (left) and Lisa Sthalekar both took two wickets as Australia took a 33-run win over England

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Australia Women 194-7 (Blackwell 42) beat
England Women 151-9 (Edwards 50) by 33 runs (D/L)
First One-Day International, Perth
Scorecard

Australia Women struck first in their three-match series with England Women, taking a 33-run win in the first One-Day International in Perth.

After Australia reached 194 for seven from 44 overs, England were limited to 151 for nine in 39.3 overs, which handed Australia victory under the Duckworth/Lewis method.

Charlotte Edwards scored 50 to top score for England but lacking the experience of Sarah and Claire Taylor they struggled to build partnerships and were unable to set a competitive score.

Only five players reached double figures and Lydia Greenway (26) was the only other player to pass 20 as they were kept in check by good bowling as spinners Shelley Nitschke and Lisa Sthalekar both took two wickets.

There was also a wicket apiece for Ellyse Perry, Rene Farrell and Sarah Coyte.

Australia's top order then batted solidly and strong partnerships took the game away from England. Openers Nitschke (26) and Meg Lanning (20) put on 47, laying the foundations for Leah Poulton (39), Alex Blackwell (42) and Jessica Cameron (19 not out) to finish off the match.

England rallied, Jenny Gunn returning three for 28, but Australia proved to be too strong in the end.

"I'm disappointed; we had a bad day at the office," England captain Edwards said. "We bowled reasonably well but we just didn't perform with the bat.

"It's a great wicket and I believe if we bat as well as I know we can, we can beat Australia. This was just one game where we've not performed to our best, but we will train hard tomorrow and come back fighting for Friday."

The second match is on 7th January.

© Cricket World 2011