Muristek
Australia bowlers skittle out England in first ODI to retain women’s Ashes
Brilliant bowling gives hosts victory with five overs to spareAustralia 205-9; England 178 all out
Australia retained the women’s multi-format Ashes trophy in the first of three one-day internationals, holding England short of a paltry first innings of 205 for nine to win by 27 runs in Canberra. After captain Heather Knight won the toss and chose to bowl, England’s seam attack used a lively surface to suffocate Australia’s scoring until wickets came. But the Australian bowlers responded in kind, turning the screw until the thread squeaked, and despite a last-wicket partnership of 24 that briefly threatened a revival, England were 178 all out with five overs to go.
The day at Manuka Oval began with a key match-up: Australian opener Alyssa Healy against England attack leader Katherine Brunt, who dismissed her twice for nought in last week’s Test match. It was no surprise that the start was circumspect. Brunt and strike partner Anya Shrubsole conceded just 34 from the first 10 overs, with Shrubsole dismissing Rachel Haynes from a top-edged pull. It was a far cry from the barnstorming starts that are Healy’s trademark.
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