England enjoy perfect start to Ashes defence
ENGLAND skipper Charlotte Edwards revelled in an uncharacteristic fast start to the series after her side began the defence of the women’s Ashes with a four-wicket defeat of Australia at Taunton.
Natalie Sciver top scored with a one-day international best of 66, while Lydia Greenway also stuck a half-century, as England chased down their victory target of 239 with more than four overs to spare.
Australia had earlier posted 238-9 from their 50 overs as Ellyse Perry amassed 78. Victory earned England two points, while a further 14 are up for grabs from the remaining six matches in the multi-format series.
“We talked about starting the series well,” said Edwards. “It’s something we haven’t done in the past. We’ve done it as perfectly as we could here today.”
The second of three one-day internationals takes place at Bristol tomorrow, ahead of the solitary Test match of the series, which is worth four points to the victors, and three Twenty20s.