England’s women defeated despite efforts of Kent pair in Australia

Runs from Kent pair Charlotte Edwards and Lydia Greenway were all in vain as England women slipped to a 33-run defeat at the hands of their Australian counterparts in the first one-day international, in Perth.

England fell short of their target despite Edwards (50) and Greenway (26) putting on 66 for the third wicket as the tourists fell one behind in the three-match.

After rain delayed the start to proceedings, therefore bringing a reduction in overs, the hosts chose to have first use of the WACA surface and always struggled to break free from the shackles applied by Edwards“s team. Alex Blackwell (42), Leah Poulton (39) and Shelley Nitschke (26) all got starts but failed to go on to make an imposing contribution as the Aussies posted 194 for seven off their 44 overs. Jenny Gunn was the star of the show for the visitors as her 3-28 helped restrict Australia to a gettable total. Kent star Greenway played her part by claiming two catches.

The English reply, which was already hampered by star bat Claire Taylor missing out with a shoulder injury, started in disarray as both openers – Heather Knight and Danielle Wyatt – fell cheaply to leave them teetering on five for two. Kent duo Edwards and Greenway then came together to steady the ship as they put on 66 inside 18 overs. Their fine partnership came to an end when Greenway was trapped in front by Lisa Sthalekar for 26.

Greenway“s departure sparked a collapse as Gunn soon followed for six and Beth Morgan was then bowled first ball by Sthalekar. England were struggling, despite Edwards still at the crease unbeaten on thirty, at 84 for five off 25 overs, still requiring another 111 runs to win. The Kent and England skipper continued to battle away however and, in tandem with Laura Marsh, fought hard to get the tourists back into contention but disaster then struck as, just after reaching her half-century, she fell to Sarah Coyte to all but end England“s victory aspirations.

In the end the tourists fell away to 151 for nine before the rain returned to end the match prematurely in the 40th over as the home side claimed a comfortable 33-run win under the Duckworth-Lewis method. Two wickets apiece for Sthalekar and Nitschke, combined with two run-outs, caused the English demise with only Edwards and Greenway putting up a fight.

The third Kent player in the touring party, youngster Susie Rowe, will now hope to get an outing in the next instalment of this ODI series at the WACA on Friday.