England Women fell narrowly short of victory in their sole Ashes warm-up game as Australia A earned a draw in a tight encounter.
Having resumed on 362 for seven, Charlotte Edwards’ side were ultimately dismissed for 386 as Georgia Elwiss struck 20 not out.
The Shooting Stars responded well and, led by Nicole Bolton’s 85 and Delissa Kimmince’s 60 not out, saved the game by ending on 301 for seven.
Danni Hazell, who sent down 22 overs today, said: “It was good to get out there today. It was quite a tough day but getting overs under our belt is obviously a good thing before the Test match.
“I enjoyed the challenge of trying to get wickets, with the batters not being as aggressive. The pitch was pretty flat and I think the WACA (for the lone Test) will be quite similar with maybe a little more pace.
“It has been a good two days. It is something we needed and we’re now really looking forward to the WACA, which should be a great occasion.”
Seeking quick runs and a total beyond 400, England were undermined immediately as Delissa Kimmince trapped Danni Hazell lbw with the day’s fifth ball.
Elwiss, however, took England to the brink of their target score amid Kimmince ousting Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole being run out.
Yet the hosts, despite a loud lbw appeal first ball and Edwards missing a run-out opportunity, responded well as Rachael Haynes and Bolton put on 73 for the opening wicket.
Hazell eventually broke through, though, as Haynes was trapped lbw before Elyse Villani feathered Shrubsole behind.
Bolton continued her impressive progression, punishing any poor deliveries, but England were in the ascendancy when Edwards claimed a smart catch to oust opposite number Alyssa Healy as Shrubsole grabbed a second scalp.
Beth Mooney offered good support with a fluent 29, only to fall when Brunt sent down a vicious short delivery that she edged behind.
That scalp preceded the key one of Bolton, who was bowled by Shrubsole to fall short of what would have been a well-deserved century.
Lauren Ebsary and Jess Jonassen fell to Hazell and Elwiss respectively, the latter having struck a crucial 43, but the hosts continued to battle.
Kimmince, well supported by Angela Reakes’ unbeaten 20, led the way as the spoils were shared despite England sending down eight overs with the new ball.
Follow the Women’s Ashes ball-by-ball via the following media:
Live Scores: www.ecb.co.uk and www.cricket.com.au
Twitter: @ECB_cricket and @SouthernStars
Television: live stream at www.cricket.com.au
Radio: 5 Live Sports Extra, ABC Grandstand or online via www.cricket.com.au/live/audio-stream
View the Original article