Australia bowlers skittle out England in first ODI to retain women’s Ashes

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 9 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 34 from the first ten 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.

First-change seamer Kate Cross, unlucky to have gone wicketless in the Test match, bowled Australian captain Meg Lanning in the 17th over with a wicked delivery that leapt inward at the stumps from a wider line, then two overs later moved a ball the other way to have Healy stumped after wicketkeeper Amy Jones had moved up to stop Healy charging. Between times, left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone used flight to draw a return catch and complete the second golden duck of Ellyse Perry’s long one-day career.

Australia were 67 for 4, scoring at 3.35 per over. Big hitter Tahlia McGrath batted slowly for 14 overs, then was bowled by Brunt for 29 as soon as she started to hit out. Ash Gardner started breezily at a run a