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Lauren Filer made an eye-catching start to her England cricket career, snaring Australia cricket opener Beth Mooney in the opening session of the one-off Test that kick-starts the multi-format Women’s Ashes series.
Filer was held back until the 17th over and almost had the dream start after getting an lbw verdict on Ellyse Perry from her first ball, only for an undetected edge to reprieve Australia’s batting linchpin.
But Filer vindicated her selection ahead of Issy Wong as her extra pace continued to cause issues and the tall seamer had her maiden international wicket when Mooney slashed to gully on 33 at Trent Bridge.
Kate Cross made the initial breakthrough to end a promising innings from Phoebe Litchfield, out for 23 on her first Test knock after neglecting to review an lbw verdict that would have missed off-stump.
England might have seen the back of Mooney on nine and 19 but missed tough chances in the field while their seamers were on the whole expensive as Australia raced to 100 for two after winning the toss.
Follow all the action from the Women’s Ashes:
Australia 328-7 (85), Annabel Sutherland 39, Alana King 7, Kate Cross 1-81 (19)
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.
Jamie Braidwood22 June 2023 19:25
Australia 327-7 (84), Annabel Sutherland 39, Alana King 7, Lauren Bell 1-65 (14)
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.
Jamie Braidwood22 June 2023 19:21
Australia 320-7 (82), Annabel Sutherland 35, Alana King 4, Lauren Bell 1-62(13)
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.
Jamie Braidwood22 June 2023 19:14
Wicket! Ashleigh Gardner ct Amy Jones b Lauren Bell 40 (76)
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.
Jamie Braidwood22 June 2023 19:10
Australia 315-6 (81), Annabel Sutherland 35, Ashleigh Gardner 40, Kate Cross 1-77 (17)
England do take the new ball but Dunkley lets a cover drive from Sutherland to slip through for a costly couple of runs.
Jamie Braidwood22 June 2023 19:07
Australia 312-6 (80), Annabel Sutherland 32, Ashleigh Gardner 40, Sophia Dunkley 0-13 (2)
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.
Jamie Braidwood22 June 2023 19:02
Australia 299-6 (77), Annabel Sutherland 29, Ashleigh Gardner 33, Sophia Dunkley 0-4 (1)
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.
Jamie Braidwood22 June 2023 18:55
Australia 295-6 (77), Annabel Sutherland 27, Ashleigh Gardner 31, Sophie Ecclestone 3-69 (30)
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.
Jamie Braidwood22 June 2023 18:52
Australia 292-6 (76), Annabel Sutherland 27, Ashleigh Gardner 28, Lauren Filer 2-65 (14)
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.
Jamie Braidwood22 June 2023 18:49
Australia 288-6 (75), Annabel Sutherland 23, Ashleigh Gardner 28, Sophie Ecclestone 3-66 (29)
A maiden over from Ecclestone - even as she gets through her 29th of the day.
It’s been some effort.
Jamie Braidwood22 June 2023 18:45