Australia women end at 243/3 against England

Sarah Elliot of Australia hits out during day one of the Women’s Ashes Series match between England and Australia at Wormsley Cricket Ground on August 11, 2013 in High Wycombe, England

Wormsley (England), Aug 12 (IANS) Sarah Elliott’s 95 not out helped Australia to 243/3 at the end of Day 1 of the Women’s Ashes Test against England at the Wormsley Cricket Ground here.

After electing to bat first Sunday, Rachael Haynes (10) and Meg Lanning (48) got Australia off to a steady start before Haynes was bowled by Anya Shrubsole (1/42). Lanning was joined at the crease by Elliott and they worked together to build a 70-run partnership before Lanning was run out by Katherine Brunt.

Elliott, whose last match was the Ashes Test in January 2011, showed great patience as she set about building a key partnership with Jess Cameron (50), which yielded 80 runs. Cameron, whose innings included 10 fours, was dismissed leg before wicket by Laura Marsh (1/56). Alex Blackwell (29 not out) joined Elliott in the middle and batted out the remainder of the day.

England fast bowlers Brunt and Jenny Gunn were quite economical and finished with eight and 12 maiden overs, respectively, but without any wickets.

Following her five hour and 20 minute stint at the crease, Elliot said: “The bowlers did a great job bowling really tight lines. The pitch definitely had a bit in it early, which is really exciting for our bowlers. But then it’s a really great pitch once you’re in. I think it’s a great opportunity to cash in.

“I’m really really pleased to be back in the team. It’s a great group to be around and it’s really nice to know that I can contribute in this format of the game.”