Beaumont hits 50 as England cut Ashes deficit

Kent captain Tammy Beaumont scored a crucial half-century as England posted their highest 50-over total against Australia to cut the hosts’ lead of 4-2 at Coffs Harbour.

The tourists won the toss and opted to bat first – recovering from the early loss of opener Lauren Winfield for 0 to post a superb second-wicket stand.

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Beaumont was more watchful as wicketkeeper-bat Sarah Taylor scored 69 at more than a run-a-ball.

Taylor was caught at point before skipper Heather Knight (88) and Beaumont shared another partnership of 68 to give England the platform for a competitive total.

Beaumont was eventually stumped for 74 by Alyssa Healy as she looked to assert herself in trademark by batting out of her crease.

Australia began their reply strongly, posting 118 for the opening wicket as Healy (71) and Nicole Bolton (62) targeted England’s seamers but fell behind the required rate.

The sin of Alex Hartley (3/45) and Sophie Ecclestone (1/36) broke the deadlock before World Cup Final heroine Anya Shrubsole (1/40) returned to remove the hosts’ star all-rounder Ellyse Perry.

Jenny Gunn (2/59) and Nat Sciver (2/24) made vital in-roads to keep the pressure on before rain curtailed the match with Australia 20 runs short of the Duckworth-Lewis target score.

Next, England face a Cricket Australia XI in a day-night match played with a pink ball in preparation for the floodlit Test at North Sydney Oval on November 9-12 worth four points.

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(Photo by Jason O’Brien/Getty Images)