England vs Australia LIVE: Cricket scorecard and Women’s Ashes updates from day one at Trent Bridge

Sophie Ecclestone and the debuting Lauren Filer took top billing as England mounted a fightback after Ellyse Perry’s excellent 99 at the outset of the Women’s Ashes.

Perry reversed an lbw verdict on 10 off Filer’s first ball at international level and amassed her fifth 50-plus score in 10 Tests against England, who rallied after tea and a near two-hour rain delay.

Ecclestone snared Jess Jonassen and Australia captain Alyssa Healy in the same over while Filer had the prize scalp of Perry as a century went begging, with the tourists then ending the day on 328 for seven.

Skilful slow left-armer Ecclestone also castled Tahlia McGrath, who struck 61 in a 119-run stand with Perry, to finish with figures of 31-6-71-3 on the opening day of the one-off Test at Trent Bridge.

The tall and speedy Filer vindicated her selection over Issy Wong with two for 65 but all of England’s seamers went at more than four an over, with Ecclestone the only bowler to hem in Australia’s batters.

Follow all the action from the Women’s Ashes:

Women’s Ashes: England vs Australia

• England host Australia in the only test match of the Women’s Ashes at Trent Bridge

• Pace bowler Lauren Filer makes England debut, with Danni Wyatt making first Test appearance

• Australia win the toss and bat first

• STUMPS! Australia 328-7 with Ellyse Perry denied century out on 99

England make Women’s Ashes fight-back after Australia’s Ellyse Perry denied century

Thursday 22 June 2023 19:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Sophie Ecclestone and the debuting Lauren Filer took top billing as England mounted a fightback after Ellyse Perry’s excellent 99 at the outset of the Women’s Ashes.

Perry reversed an lbw verdict on 10 off Filer’s first ball at international level and amassed her fifth 50-plus score in 10 Tests against England, who rallied after tea and a near two-hour rain delay.

Ecclestone snared Jess Jonassen and Australia captain Alyssa Healy in the same over while Filer had the prize scalp of Perry as a century went begging, with the tourists then ending the day on 328 for seven.

Skilful slow left-armer Ecclestone also castled Tahlia McGrath, who struck 61 in a 119-run stand with Perry, to finish with figures of 31-6-71-3 on the opening day of the one-off Test at Trent Bridge.

The tall and speedy Filer vindicated her selection over Issy Wong with two for 65 but all of England’s seamers went at more than four an over, with Ecclestone the only bowler to hem in Australia’s batters.

Day one report

England make Women’s Ashes fight-back after Australia’s Ellyse Perry denied century

Stumps! Australia 328-7 (85), Annabel Sutherland 39, Alana King 7

Thursday 22 June 2023 19:29 , Jamie Braidwood

So, where do we stand after the first day? Australia got off to a fast start but after the rain delay, Ecclestone took two wickets in three balls, before Lauren Filer got Ellyse Perry out on 99.

But the partnership of Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner got Australia back into the game, even if Lauren Bell was able to take a late wicket with the second new ball.

It feels like Australia are slightly ahead.

Australia 328-7 (85), Annabel Sutherland 39, Alana King 7, Kate Cross 1-81 (19)

Thursday 22 June 2023 19:25 , Jamie Braidwood

Just enough time for one more over!

It goes to Kate Cross - but Annabel Sutherland keeps it safe and Australia get through it without losing another wicket to the second new ball.

Australia 328-7 at stumps.

Australia 327-7 (84), Annabel Sutherland 39, Alana King 7, Lauren Bell 1-65 (14)

Thursday 22 June 2023 19:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Positive play from Alana King despite coming in late in the day (the lights are now on at Trent Bridge).

Strong running from Australia helps them to squeeze out a couple of runs.

Australia 320-7 (82), Annabel Sutherland 35, Alana King 4, Lauren Bell 1-62(13)

Thursday 22 June 2023 19:14 , Jamie Braidwood

Alana King gets off the mark with a boundary - but Bell then leads the appeals as the ball strikes King’s pads. There was just enough edge in that, though.

Wicket! Ashleigh Gardner ct Amy Jones b Lauren Bell 40 (76)

Thursday 22 June 2023 19:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Wicket! How England needed that. Lauren Bell strikes with the new ball as Ash Gardner is caught behind. That was a stellar run, but Bell bowled a beauty.

Australia 315-6 (81), Annabel Sutherland 35, Ashleigh Gardner 40, Kate Cross 1-77 (17)

Thursday 22 June 2023 19:07 , Jamie Braidwood

England do take the new ball but Dunkley lets a cover drive from Sutherland to slip through for a costly couple of runs.

Australia 312-6 (80), Annabel Sutherland 32, Ashleigh Gardner 40, Sophia Dunkley 0-13 (2)

Thursday 22 June 2023 19:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Ecclestone asks a couple of questions as she gets through another over, but as Dunkley goes for her second Gardner steps in and drives a six down the ground. That’s 12 runs from the over, but England can now take the new ball.

Australia 299-6 (77), Annabel Sutherland 29, Ashleigh Gardner 33, Sophia Dunkley 0-4 (1)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Time for some leg spin! Sophia Dunkley comes in for her first over of the day.

It comes at the cost of four singles - as this impressive partnership continues.

England are two overs away from the new ball.

Australia 295-6 (77), Annabel Sutherland 27, Ashleigh Gardner 31, Sophie Ecclestone 3-69 (30)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:52 , Jamie Braidwood

A mix-up in the field allows Australia a couple of easy runs, but Cross then stops a further boundary from Gardner with a dive and a nice bit of fielding.

Australia 292-6 (76), Annabel Sutherland 27, Ashleigh Gardner 28, Lauren Filer 2-65 (14)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:49 , Jamie Braidwood

Filer goes for the stumps but Sutherland expertly guides it around the corner for a four.

A couple of darker clouds are starting to form in the sky above Trent Bridge.

Australia 288-6 (75), Annabel Sutherland 23, Ashleigh Gardner 28, Sophie Ecclestone 3-66 (29)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:45 , Jamie Braidwood

A maiden over from Ecclestone - even as she gets through her 29th of the day.

It’s been some effort.

Australia 288-6 (74), Annabel Sutherland 23, Ashleigh Gardner 28, Lauren Filer 2-61 (13)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:42 , Jamie Braidwood

Filer goes a touch wide on a couple of deliveries and Sutherland and Gardner take advantage to reach 50 for their seventh-wicket partnership. It’s been very handy for Australia.

Australia 280-6 (73), Annabel Sutherland 24, Ashleigh Gardner 22, Sophie Ecclestone 3-67 (28)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:38 , Jamie Braidwood

Sophie Ecclestone goes close with a ball that goes straight through and narrowly misses the stumps, then with one to the outside that just misses Knight at slip.

Two chances - but Sutherland adds a couple more runs with a drive.

Australia 277-6 (72), Annabel Sutherland 20, Ashleigh Gardner 22, Kate Cross 1-75 (16)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Oof. Gardner makes a connection but it’s not solid and the Australian isn’t sure what direction it’s heading in.

Thankfully for her, it drops just short of the England fielder. That could have gone anywhere, and Cross knew it.

Australia 276-6 (71), Annabel Sutherland 19, Ashleigh Gardner 22, Sophie Ecclestone 3-64 (27)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:30 , Jamie Braidwood

Ashleigh Gardner gets an inside nick to add a couple of runs at the end of Sophie Ecclestone’s over.

Sutherland has managed to steady the ship.

Australia 274-6 (70), Annabel Sutherland 19, Ashleigh Gardner 20, Kate Cross 1-74 (15)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:25 , Mike Jones

Annabel Sutherland is no slouch with the bat. She’s a handy player for Australia to have coming in at eight as Kate Cross finds out when Sutherland nails her to the boundary for four.

Cross responds well. She tightens her line and targets off stump, forcing Sutherland to defend. This partnership is developing nicely though.

That’s another worry for England. Another wicket would go down well.

Australia 270-6 (69), Annabel Sutherland 15, Ashleigh Gardner 20, Sophie Ecclestone 3-62 (26)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:21 , Mike Jones

Great shot! There are two fielders on the drive as Sophie Ecclestone loops one up to Ash Gardner. Gardner takes the shot on and drills it into the ground before picking the gap wide of Sophia Dunkley for four!

Gardner then goes back in her shell and sees out the rest of the over.

Australia 266-6 (68), Annabel Sutherland 15, Ashleigh Gardner 16, Kate Cross 1-70 (14)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:19 , Mike Jones

With Lauren Bell unthreatening once again Heather Knight brings Kate Cross back into the attack. She bowls gentle outswingers to the right-handers but there’s been very little help from the conditions today.

If She can keep it tight though, Sophie Ecclestone can keep attacking. Ashleigh Gardner picks up one from the over.

Australia 265-6 (67), Annabel Sutherland 15, Ashleigh Gardner 15, Sophie Ecclestone 3-58 (25)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:14 , Mike Jones

Oh my. Sophie Ecclestone keeps Ashleigh Gardner quiet with a probing line of off stump, there’s a bit of drift which brings her two before a short ball is gloves just wide of Tammy Beaumont at short leg!

Three from the over.

Australia 262-6 (66), Annabel Sutherland 15, Ashleigh Gardner 12, Lauren Bell 0-57 (12)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:08 , Mike Jones

Annabel Sutherland is settling in now. She’s finding it easy against Lauren Bell and is picking up anything off her pads. Another wonderful flick brings her four runs.

Amy Jones comes up to the stumps to keep the batter in her crease. A bit of extra bounce from Bell finds the edge but it drops short of the slips.

Sutherland ends the over with another boundary but this one is lucky. She targets the legside and gets a top edge. Luckily the ball flies over the short fielders and races away for four.

Australia 254-6 (65), Annabel Sutherland 6, Ashleigh Gardner 12, Sophie Ecclestone 3-54 (24)

Thursday 22 June 2023 18:03 , Mike Jones

Annabel Sutherland brings up Australia’s 250 with a lovely push through extra cover for four runs! The shot also brings a field change as Ecclestone wants some cover on the offside.

The rest of the over passes without issue.

Australia 249-6 (64), Annabel Sutherland 2, Ashleigh Gardner 12, Lauren Bell 0-49 (11)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:59 , Mike Jones

Bell is slightly wayward with one that angles down the legside and Sutherland flicks her away for one. A drag down is then mullied over to the midwicket boundary by Ashleigh Gardner who won’t miss out on pull shots on this slow wicket.

Australia 244-6 (63), Annabel Sutherland 1, Ashleigh Gardner 8, Sophie Ecclestone 3-50 (23)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:55 , Mike Jones

Sophie Ecclestone rattles through her overs so quickly. Annabel Sutherland gets off the mark with a single.

Australia 243-6 (62), Annabel Sutherland 0, Ashleigh Gardner 8, Lauren Bell 0-44 (10)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:51 , Mike Jones

Lauren Filer is replaced in the attack by Lauren Bell. Bell hasn’t been at her best today but with new batters at the crease she could turn it around.

Garnder tries to find a gap on the legside and hits it. She leans into a push and picks up four runs.

Australia 239-6 (61), Annabel Sutherland 0, Ashleigh Gardner 4, Sophie Ecclestone 3-49 (22)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:48 , Mike Jones

The whole match looks different now. McGrath is gone, Healy is gone, Perry is gone. Australia’s backbone has been dismissed and another couple of wickets brings England into the bowlers.

They’ve taken three wickets for 13 runs.

Wicket! Ellyse Perry ct Nat Sciver-Brunt b Lauren Filer 99 (153), Australia 238-6 (60)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:45 , Mike Jones

Well bowled Lauren Filer. She keeps the ball outside off stump and just hurries Ellyse Perry who’s trying to get through to three figures.

She drives but is late on the shot and drills it to gully where Nat Sciver-Brunt clings onto the catch!

Australia 238-5 (59.5), Ellyse Perry 99, Ashleigh Gardner 3, Lauren Filer 1-54 (11.5)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:42 , Mike Jones

Gardner is underway. She plays a wonderful on drive off Filer to beat the fielder at mid on. The rain has slowed the outfield meaning that the ball doesn’t reach the fence.

Gardner calls Perry through for three. Perry then takes a couple before cutting one agonisingly close to Nat Sciver-Brunt but picking up four anyway.

The Aussie great is just one away from a hundred.

Australia 228-5 (59), Ellyse Perry 93, Ashleigh Gardner 0, Sophie Ecclestone 3-48 (21)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:38 , Mike Jones

Ellyse Perry is slowly working her way towards a hundred. She take’s Lauren Filer for a single, then does the same to Sophie Ecclestone.

Ashleigh Gardner is playing herself in, trying to get off the mark.

Australia 226-5 (57), Ellyse Perry 91, Ashleigh Gardner 0, Sophie Ecclestone 3-47 (20)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:33 , Mike Jones

What an over from Sophie Ecclestone. Two wickets, including the Australian captain, and England are right back in this test match.

Wicket! Alyssa Healy b Sophie Ecclestone 0 (2), Australia 226-5

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:30 , Mike Jones

One brings two as the saying goes. Sophie Ecclestone gets the ball to grip away from the Australian captain. She beats the outside edge and breaks the stumps once more!

Wicket! Jess Jonasson ct Tammy Beaumont b Sophie Ecclestone 11 (30), Australia 226-4 (56.1)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:28 , Mike Jones

Got her!

The ball loops up off Jess Jonassen’s gloves and Tammy Beaumont clings onto the catch. That’s a great review from England as Australia are four down now.

Australia 226-3 (56.1), Ellyse Perry 91, Jess Jonassen 11, Sophie Ecclestone 1-47 (19.1)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:26 , Mike Jones

Now then, do England have a wicket here? Jess Jonassen goes for a sweep and is caught at short leg off Sophie Ecclestone. Has this one hit the glove on the way through?

The umpire doesn’t think so but Heather Knight reviews it.

Australia 226-3 (56), Ellyse Perry 91, Jess Jonassen 11, Lauren Filer 1-44 (10)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:24 , Mike Jones

Lauren Filer replaces Kate Cross for England. She was the most threatening seam bowler earlier in the day and Heather Knight brings her on early for this session.

A wide loosener is cut away for one by Ellyse Perry before Jess Jonassen turns one into the legside for another single.

Perry ends the over with a four.

Australia 220-3 (55), Ellyse Perry 86, Jess Jonassen 10, Sophie Ecclestone 1-47 (19)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:18 , Mike Jones

England are creating better control on the game. Heather Knight is setting a better mix of field, with attacking close fielders and players on the boundary as cover.

Ecclestone sprints through a maiden over.

Australia 220-3 (54), Ellyse Perry 86, Jess Jonassen 10, Kate Cross 1-69 (13)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:15 , Mike Jones

There’s a bit of shape through the air from Cross, as there has been for most of the day, but she’s not getting anything from the surface.

Jonassen flicks her away to fine leg for a single.

Australia 219-3 (53), Ellyse Perry 86, Jess Jonassen 9, Sophie Ecclestone 1-47 (18)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:12 , Mike Jones

Sophie Ecclestone will continue for England. She floats one up to Jess Jonassen who drives to mid-off for a quick single.

With Perry on strike, Heather Knight brings in two slips and a couple of catchers on the drive. Ecclestone hangs the ball outside off stump to entice Perry.

The Aussie is content to push the ball safely back though.

Australia 218-3 (52), Ellyse Perry 86, Jess Jonassen 8, Kate Cross 1-68 (12)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:09 , Mike Jones

Tell a lie, Cross’ last delivery is a no ball so she needs to bowl it again. This time Ellyse Perry leans into a drive but angles her bat and guides the ball down to third man for four!

That’s an expensive mistake from Cross.

Australia 213-3 (52), Ellyse Perry 82, Jess Jonassen 8, Kate Cross 1-63 (12)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:07 , Mike Jones

Cross is bang on the money from the get go. She hits a good length, just hovering by off stump. Ellyse Perry eases back into her innings with three dot balls.

Evening session: Australia 213-3 (51.3), Ellyse Perry 82, Jess Jonassen 8, Kate Cross 1-63 (11.3)

Thursday 22 June 2023 17:05 , Mike Jones

The news from the umpires is that play will go on until 7pm to make sure the overs are all bowled. Only five overs were lost in the rain break.

Ellyse Perry and Jess Jonassen will resume for Australia. Can England make use of the break and get a couple more wickets?

Kate Cross will need to finish her over first.

Rain stopped play!

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:55 , Mike Jones

The umpires have called Alyssa Healy and Heather Knight down to the side of the pitch. There’s a discussion going on which can only be about when to restart the game.

A few of players are warming-up again in the outfield.

Play will resume at 5.07pm.

Rain stopped play!

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:51 , Mike Jones

An official inspection is underway and the umpires will probably be deciding when to restart this match. The Australian players look relaxed on the balcony.

As so they should be.

Ellyse Perry a thorn in England’s side as rain leads to early tea on opening day

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:28 , Mike Jones

Ellyse Perry was a familiar thorn in England’s side as she offset an eye-catching debut from Lauren Filer on the opening day of the lone Test which started the multi-format Women’s Ashes series.

Perry was given lbw on 10 to Filer’s first delivery in international cricket but the Australia linchpin was reprieved on review as replays showed the ball caught an inside edge before thudding into the pads.

While Filer had her maiden international wicket when Beth Mooney edged to gully on 33, Perry’s unbeaten 82 carried Australia to 213 for three before a rain shower led to an early tea being taken.

Ellyse Perry a thorn in England’s side as rain leads to early tea on opening day

Rain stopped play!

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:21 , Mike Jones

No official start time yet but signs are encouraging. The umpires have pointed out a few damp patches on the outfield but the players look like they’re preparing to continue.

Rain stopped play!

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:12 , Mike Jones

The rain has stopped at Trent Bridge and the covers are starting to come off. The umpires are already out inspecting the pitch.

There was much rain to fall so play shouldn’t be too long before resuming.

Rain stopped play!

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:05 , Mike Jones

The break in play will be benefitting England more than Australia. The tourists have had the best of the day so far and Ellyse Perry is set. She’ll need to restart when play resumes.

England can regroup, go through more plans and options, let the bowlers recover again before a final session burst.

Rain stopped play!

Thursday 22 June 2023 16:00 , Mike Jones

Rain stopped play!

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:54 , Mike Jones

Despite tea being taken early, the clouds and rain haven’t let up and there’s going to be a delay in the game. Extra covers have been brought onto the ground and the spectators have been taking shelter under the stands.

Tea: Australia 213-3

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:45 , Mike Jones

It was Australia’s session again. They came flying out of the blocks and took the attack to England. Ellyse Perry was as incredible as she always is in test match cricket and she was ably backed up by Tahlia McGrath before Sophie Ecclestone snuck one past her.

Tea: Australia 213-3

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:40 , Mike Jones

Ollie Robinson in firing line as Australia greats hit out over Edgbaston actions

Australian greats Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting have rounded on England’s Ollie Robinson after the seamer’s provocative display in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston.

Robinson was happy to offer Australia some verbals on and off the pitch during England’s tense two-wicket defeat, offering an expletive-laden send off to centurion Usman Khawaja and then defending his behaviour in a press conference where he asked: “If you can’t handle that, what can you handle?”.

The combative seamer took match figures of five for 98 in the first Test and was not sanctioned by the match referee, but his conduct appeared to rile two men who were far from shrinking violets in their own playing days.

Ollie Robinson in firing line as Australia greats hit out over Edgbaston actions

Tea: Australia 213-3

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:32 , Mike Jones

Tea: Australia 213-3 (51.3), Ellyse Perry 82, Jess Jonassen 8, Kate Cross 1-63 (11.3)

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:27 , Mike Jones

Rain stopped play!

Unfortunately, a dark cloud has descended over Trent Bridge and unleashed an expected bout of rain. The umpires take the players off and they’ll have tea early.

Australia 213-3 (51), Ellyse Perry 82, Jess Jonassen 8, Sophie Ecclestone 1-46 (17)

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:24 , Mike Jones

Sophie Ecclestone continues her mammoth spell. She’s bowled throughout the afternoon session. Just a couple of runs, one each for Perry and Jonassen, come from the over.

Australia 211-3 (50), Ellyse Perry 81, Jess Jonassen 7, Kate Cross 1-63 (11)

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:20 , Mike Jones

Sophie Ecclestone rattle through another over.

Kate Cross is brought back into the attack for the new batter, replacing Lauren Filer. She’s trying to bowl straight but again probably isn’t being helped out by the field placings.

There’s gaps on the legside that Jonassen targets and collects three.

Australia 205-3 (48), Ellyse Perry 81, Jess Jonassen 2, Lauren Filer 1-38 (9)

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:12 , Mike Jones

Filer continues. Perry takes one and Jonassen wil have to get accustomed to the pace of England’s quick. She’s wrapped on the pads but the ball pitched outside leg stump to spare her from an lbw appeal.

England need to attack Jonassen here. Players about the bat and in her eyeline. One run from the over.

Australia 204-3 (47), Ellyse Perry 80, Jess Jonassen 2, Sophie Ecclestone 1-44 (15)

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:08 , Mike Jones

Jess Jonassen gets off the mark with a cut to the boundary for two. Sophie Ecclestone has brought England back into the game. If they can get Ellyse Perry now, the match will be totally flipped on it’s head.

Wicket! Tahlia McGrath b Sophie Ecclestone 61 (83), Australia 202-3 (46.2)

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:05 , Mike Jones

Sophie Ecclestone has done it! She manages to get one to hold it’s line of the pitch. It’s only slight movement but the ball misses the outside of Tahlia McGrath’s and clips the top of the bails!

McGrath’s fine innings comes to an end.

Australia 201-2 (46), Ellyse Perry 80, Tahlia McGrath 60, Lauren Filer 1-38 (8)

Thursday 22 June 2023 15:03 , Mike Jones

Sod’s law. Knight decides to bring the fielders out of the catching positions as both batters are set. Perry takes one but Filer gets the ball to move away from McGrath.

She finds the edge but there’s no slips and the ball flies away for four runs.

McGrath works the ball into the offside from a good length and collects two. The 200 comes up for Australia. They’ll want to double that before they think about a declaration.

Australia 191-2 (45), Ellyse Perry 79, Tahlia McGrath 52, Sophie Ecclestone 0-40 (14)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:57 , Mike Jones

Heather Knight is still keen on attacking. She has three fielders around the bat for Sophie Ecclestone but there are two slips. Only one ball has gone in that area so far today.

I think the England captain has been a little off with her plans. She hasn’t really adapted to Australia’s dominance and the nature of the pitch.

Australia 190-2 (44), Ellyse Perry 78, Tahlia McGrath 52, Lauren Filer 1-28 (7)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:53 , Mike Jones

Perry and McGrath rotate the strike before a loose ball from Filer is lifted into the legside for four runs. It’s another great over for Australia who have taken total control of this match.

Eight runs come from the over.

Australia 183-2 (43.1), Ellyse Perry 72, Tahlia McGrath 51, Lauren Filer 1-21 (6.1)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:51 , Mike Jones

100 partnership! Lauren Filer continues and tries to bring Tahlia McGrath across her stumps. McGrath stands still and swats her away for a single to bring up the one hundred partnership.

This is a problem for England. Both batters are set and scoring freely.

Australia 182-2 (43), Ellyse Perry 72, Tahlia McGrath 50, Sophie Ecclestone 0-39 (13)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:48 , Mike Jones

Australia’s run rate is up to 4.24. Heather Knight has a lot of thinking to do about how to break this partnership. Ellyse Perry drives for two before rocking back and guiding away a late cut.

It’s wonderful batting from her. She seems to have so much time to find the gaps.

Australia 178-2 (42), Ellyse Perry 68, Tahlia McGrath 50, Lauren Filer 1-20 (6)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:43 , Mike Jones

Lauren Filer is the only England bowler who has looked threatening today but she’s on debut and isn’t the most consistent of bowlers.

Perry works her away for one.

Australia 174-2 (41), Ellyse Perry 66, Tahlia McGrath 50, Sophie Ecclestone 0-35 (12)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:38 , Mike Jones

Loose and four runs! The ball seems to slip out of Ecclestone’s hand and Tahlia McGrath spanks her away for four through mid off. It was a bad ball and deserved to be punished.

50! McGrath turns Ecclestone into the legside and calls Perry through for one. It brings up a well worke half-century for the Australian.

Australia 168-2 (40), Ellyse Perry 65, Tahlia McGrath 45, Kate Cross 1-57 (10)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:33 , Mike Jones

Cross hits a good length but Perry knocks her into the offside for one. McGrath follows up with a cut to Wyatt on the point boundary.

Heather Knight has learned her lesson and the slips have come out for the most part. The field is more defensive as England look to contain Australia.

The tourist still collect four from the over though.

Australia 164-2 (39), Ellyse Perry 63, Tahlia McGrath 43, Sophie Ecclestone 0-29 (11)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:30 , Mike Jones

Maiden for Ecclestone! She’s back on that line around middle and leg and the threat of spin is stopping Australia’s batters from playing across the line.

Can Kate Cross back up Ecclestone’s over?

Australia 164-2 (38), Ellyse Perry 63, Tahlia McGrath 43, Kate Cross 1-54 (9)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:26 , Mike Jones

This is a good comeback from Kate Cross after being despatched for 16 in the previous over. There’s cover on the offside boundary and just three singles come from it.

England need to find a way to slow the runs down though or else Australia will run away with this game.

Australia 161-2 (37), Ellyse Perry 62, Tahlia McGrath 41, Sophie Ecclestone 0-29 (10)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:21 , Mike Jones

False shot! Sophie Ecclestone gets one to drift and spin as Ellyse Perry goes hard at the ball. There’s a thick outside edge which shoots wide of Heather Knight at slip and brings Perry a couple.

Perry then rocks onto the back foot and cuts Ecclestone away for four!

Australia 154-2 (36), Ellyse Perry 56, Tahlia McGrath 40, Kate Cross 1-50 (8)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:18 , Mike Jones

It’s another brilliant for Australia! Ellyse Perry guides the ball to third man for a boundary which brings her a 50. It’s taken her 76 deliveres with nine fours.

Make that 10. Perry pummels Cross for another four before getting off strike.

McGrath then gets in on the action and nails Cross through cover for four more. 16 runs in total come from Cross’ return as McGrath works her away for three to end the over.

Australia 138-2 (35), Ellyse Perry 47, Tahlia McGrath 33, Kate Cross 1-34 (7)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:14 , Mike Jones

Lauren Bell was a little wayward with her spell after lunch so Heather Knight brings Kate Cross back into the attack. Will she prove to be more effective?

Australia 138-2 (35), Ellyse Perry 47, Tahlia McGrath 33, Sophie Ecclestone 0-22 (9)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:12 , Mike Jones

Lovely! Ellyse Perry plays against the spin and drives the ball on the up through the gap at cover-point. The ball races across the square and the fielders can’t catch it. Four more.

Perry ends the over with another run. Australia are scoring at will here, England need wickets.

Australia 133-2 (34), Ellyse Perry 42, Tahlia McGrath 33, Lauren Bell 0-40 (9)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:09 , Mike Jones

Edged! McGrath plays with soft hands as she chases one outside the off stump. Bell finds the outside edge but the ball flies wide of the slips and rolls down to third man for four runs.

That boundary also brings up the fifty partnership between these two.

Australia 129-2 (33.2), Ellyse Perry 42, Tahlia McGrath 29, Lauren Bell 0-36 (8.2)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:06 , Mike Jones

Emma Lamb is wide at fine leg, waiting for a potential catch should Tahlia McGrath take on the short ball. Instead McGrath eases it fine and collects four as Bell strays off line.

McGrath laces the next ball to the boundary too but this one is a top quality drive through the offside.

Australia 121-2 (33), Ellyse Perry 42, Tahlia McGrath 21, Sophie Ecclestone 0-17 (8)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:04 , Mike Jones

Five runs from Sophie Ecclestone’s over. Ellyse Perry smokes a short ball over to the midwicket boundary for four before taking a single to get off strike.

Australia’s best batter is closing in on another test match fifty.

McGrath takes a single off the last ball.

Australia 115-2 (32), Ellyse Perry 37, Tahlia McGrath 20, Lauren Bell 0-28 (8)

Thursday 22 June 2023 14:01 , Mike Jones

There are just too many loose balls for England to effectively build any pressure on Australia. Early in the over Bell flings one down legside and McGrath flicks her down to fine leg for two.

Having scored the runs she’s less inclined to go after the balls outside off stump.

Australia 113-2 (31), Ellyse Perry 37, Tahlia McGrath 18, Sophie Ecclestone 0-11 (7)

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:58 , Mike Jones

McGrath works Ecclestone nicely away off the final delivery and picks up another three runs. These batters are both looking to score but so far they’ve been waiting for the loose balls.

The partnership is up to 30.

Australia 110-2 (30.3), Ellyse Perry 37, Tahlia McGrath 15, Sophie Ecclestone 0-8 (6.3)

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:56 , Mike Jones

England appeal! There’s a big shout as Sophie Ecclestone gets one to beat the bat of Tahlia McGrath. It strikes the batter in front of the stumps but doesn’t seem to straighten enough.

England think about a review after the umpire says not out but decide against it. That’s the right call as a replay shows a little inside edge.

Australia 110-2 (30), Ellyse Perry 37, Tahlia McGrath 15, Lauren Bell 0-26 (7)

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:53 , Mike Jones

It’s a long chase for Danni Wyatt as Tahlia McGrath drills one through the covers. Wyatt manages to keep the ball from crossing the boundary but the Australian batters collect three runs.

It’s a better over from Bell but at the minute she doesn’t look very threatening.

Australia 107-2 (29), Ellyse Perry 37, Tahlia McGrath 12, Sophie Ecclestone 0-8 (6)

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:49 , Mike Jones

Just the one from Ecclestone’s over. Her job this afternoon will be to build pressure from one end, allowing the seamers to work at the other.

She’ll need help though as Cross, Bell and Filer have all bowled some loose deliveries today.

Australia 107-2 (28.3), Ellyse Perry 37, Tahlia McGrath 12, Sophie Ecclestone 0-8 (5.3)

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:48 , Mike Jones

Sophie Ecclestone is given the ball for the first over from the opposite end. She loops one up at Tahlia McGrath who drives and hits the fielder.

A second looping full ball is worked into the gap and brings a single. Perry keeps Ecclestone at bay.

Australia 106-2 (28), Ellyse Perry 37, Tahlia McGrath 11, Lauren Bell 0-25 (6)

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:45 , Mike Jones

Bell is bang on the money for the remainder of the over bringing Perry onto the front foot and looking to drive. That is until the final ball which is sent down leg and whipped away for four runs.

Afternoon session: Australia 102-2 (27.2), Ellyse Perry 33, Tahlia McGrath 11, Lauren Bell 0-19 (5.2)

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:43 , Mike Jones

Lauren Bell gets the afternoon session underway for England. She’s got a couple of right-handers to bowl at now after the left-handed openers have been dismissed.

Bell is just short of a length and is guided into backward point for a couple.

Lunch: Australia 100-2

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:37 , Mike Jones

How will the afternoon session go? England will want to take a few quick wickets, including the key one of Ellyse Perry. Australia meanwhile will carry on as they are.

100 runs in a session is very good.

Here’s a look at the wickets

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:30 , Mike Jones

Lauren Filer then earned her first international wicket and had Beth Mooney caught at gully.

Here’s a look at the wickets

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:26 , Mike Jones

Kate Cross made the first breakthrough, trapping Phoebe Litchfield lbw but was the ball going on to hit the stumps?

Former England bowler, Alex Hartley, on BBC Test Match Special

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:22 , Mike Jones

“England would have ideally wanted another wicket, but going into lunch they would be pretty happy to have got the two openers out after they got starts.

“After lunch, England will look to be aggressive and take wickets, they don’t mind being driven through the covers because the ball just needs to do something to get an outside edge.

“Aggressive - but not reckless.”

Lunch: Australia 100-2

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:19 , Mike Jones

England bowler Lauren Filer talking to Sky Sports at the lunch break: “It’s been vey good. It has gone very quickly actually, and i’m trying to take everything in but to get the wicket was great.

“I saw a few tears in my mum and dad eyes at the cap presentation but I’m not an emotional type, but it was nice. Heather had some nice words.

“I was nervous was excited [ahead of my first ball]. I just wanted to bowl as fast and as straight as I could.

“It was good [her first international wicket], I looked up and it was in Crossy’s hands but I didn’t actually see the ball. It was a great moment with all the team around me.”

Tammy Beaumont has eyes on a first Test victory as England launch Ashes campaign

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:14 , Mike Jones

Tammy Beaumont is targeting an overdue first Test win in the next week, insisting a shake-up in approach is the best way of England forging ahead in the Women’s Ashes.

Beaumont is set for her eighth Test cap when a much-anticipated multi-format series starts on Thursday, with England looking to defeat an all-conquering Australia side for the first time since 2014.

Captain Heather Knight is adamant England have to be “disruptors” to upset the odds and Beaumont feels the attacking mindset they have adopted in recent months can unsettle double world champions Australia.

Tammy Beaumont has eyes on a first Test victory as England launch Ashes campaign

Lunch: Australia 100-2

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:06 , Mike Jones

Lunch: Australia 100-2 (27), Ellyse Perry 31, Tahlia McGrath 11, Sophie Ecclestone 0-7 (5)

Thursday 22 June 2023 13:02 , Mike Jones

100 up for Australia! Ellyse Perry leans into a drive from a wide Sophie Ecclestone delivery and saunters down the other end for one.

Tahlia McGrath sees out the rest of the over without too much trouble. The Aussies will be the slightly happier team.

Australia 99-2 (26), Ellyse Perry 30, Tahlia McGrath 11, Lauren Filer 1-16 (5)

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:59 , Mike Jones

Filer bangs a couple of short balls into the wicket but they’re aren’t directed well and Tahlia McGrath leaves them alone. A wide one is then cut away to Danni Wyatt on the boundary before Ellyse Perry does the same and slaps one away for two.

The over ends with a single to mid-on and a solid defensive stroke from McGrath.

Australia 95-2 (25), Ellyse Perry 27, Tahlia McGrath 10, Sophie Ecclestone 0-6 (4)

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:54 , Mike Jones

Heather Knight brings Sophie Ecclestone back into the attack for an over or two before lunch. Ellyse Perry is watchful.

She looks to get onto the front foot and keep the ball away from the close fielders. Ecclestone is through the over quickly and bowls a maiden.

Australia 95-2 (24), Ellyse Perry 27, Tahlia McGrath 10, Lauren Filer 1-12 (4)

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:52 , Mike Jones

There are 11 minutes to go until the lunch break. England will want another wicket to end the session on a high, Australia will be targeting three figures before the interval.

Filer continues and Perry takes one from the first ball. It’s the only run from the over as McGrath looks to get to grips with Filer’s pace.

Australia 94-2 (23), Ellyse Perry 26, Tahlia McGrath 10, Nat Sciver-Brunt 0-26 (5)

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:48 , Mike Jones

Tahlia McGrath is the new batter and will face up to Nat Sciver-Brunt after a single brings her on strike. Sciver-Brunt is too full to McGrath who drills a drive through the vacant gap at mid-off for a four to get off the mark.

A second boundary quickly follows as Sciver-Brunt overcorrects and strays onto the pads. Two more runs come from the final delivery and McGrath is into double figures.

She’s got off to a flyer here.

Wicket! Beth Mooney ct Kate Cross b Lauren Filer 33 (57), Australia 83-2 (22)

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:44 , Mike Jones

What a moment for Lauren Filer. She darts one across Beth Mooney and gets a touch of extra bounce. Mooney pushes hard at the ball and nicks it.

A thick edge comes flying into gully where Kate Cross clings onto the catch!

Australia 83-1 (21.5), Beth Mooney 33, Ellyse Perry 25, Lauren Filer 0-11 (2.5)

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:41 , Mike Jones

Filer tests Perry out with a short ball. There’s a deep fine leg and a fielder hovering 20 yards off the fence at square leg. Perry is up to the task though and dissects the field with a lovely hook that brings her four runs.

Perry punches a back foot stroke into the offside for a single to get off strike.

Australia 78-1 (21), Beth Mooney 33, Ellyse Perry 20, Nat Sciver-Brunt 0-15 (4)

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:37 , Mike Jones

Sciver-Brunt continues as wicketkeeper Amy Jones comes up to the stumps. Mooney turns her to fine leg for one to bring Perry back on strike.

Sciver-Brunt drags one down and a lack of pace off the pitch means it’s easy for Perry to pull her away for a boundary.

Perry punches one off the back foot to end the over. Six runs from it.

Australia 72-1 (20), Beth Mooney 32, Ellyse Perry 15, Lauren Filer 0-6 (2)

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:33 , Mike Jones

The most difficult thing in test match cricket is getting 20 wickets. If you can do that regularly then you will win more games than you lose.

In the women’s game it seems to be even harder to get wickets. Batters are used to one day games so they’ve got more areas to score in test matches with the field up and less risks to take.

Filer is doing a nice job here. Angling the ball in and hoping the seam movement moves it away.

Back-to-back maidens for England who are asserting some pressure on the batters.

Australia 72-1 (19), Beth Mooney 32, Ellyse Perry 15, Nat Sciver-Brunt 0-9 (3)

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:29 , Mike Jones

Maiden! It’s only taken England 19 overs to bowl the first one of the day. That’s down to Australia though who have been proactive and looking to score this morning.

Australia 72-1 (18), Beth Mooney 32, Ellyse Perry 15, Lauren Filer 0-6 (1)

Thursday 22 June 2023 12:25 , Mike Jones

Filer’s pace is right up there. Low to mid 70s which is quick in the women’s game. She finds the edge of Perry’s bat but the ball doesn’t reach the gully fielder.

Perry and Mooney each work the ball away for one before Perry ends the over with a nicely timed late cut for four!

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