England misplaced their first match of the Ladies’s World Cup as they suffered a six-wicket defeat by the formidable defending champions Australia in Indore.
Australia suffered a top-order wobble, falling to 24-3 and 68-4, just for a flawless partnership of 180 between Annabel Sutherland and Ash Gardner to make them victory with 9.3 overs to spare.
Sutherland, who additionally took three wickets in England’s 244-9, completed with 98 and Gardner made a sensational 104 from 73 balls as Australia’s astonishing batting depth got here to the fore once more.
England had their moments, notably the constructive begin from openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones as they punished an uncharacteristically sloppy begin from the Australian bowlers, including 55 in eight overs.
However Jones’ dismissal, bowled by a Sutherland magnificence, put the brakes on.
Beaumont discovered much-needed type as she prime scored with 78 however the center order got here to a standstill that was instigated by leg-spinner Alana King, who took 1-20 in 10 overs.
England’s middle-order glue in Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt solely managed 20 and 7 respectively, Sophia Dunkley stuttered to 22 from 48 balls and Emma Lamb’s struggles at six continued with one other single-figure rating.
Charlie Dean once more rescued England considerably with the bat, including a helpful stand of 61 from 52 balls with Alice Capsey, who made an entertaining 38, however Australia’s famous person all-rounders proved that the whole was nonetheless considerably beneath par when confronted with such a stellar batting line-up.
The pair began cautiously in rebuilding the innings earlier than racing by the gears to punish an England bowling assault that had no solutions, neither providing an opportunity in a masterclass of one-day batting.
There was not a lot on the road, given the truth that each groups had already certified for the semi-finals, however it was one other reminder to the remainder of the world about what will probably be required to dethrone the juggernaut.
