Australia women finish day at 250/7

Meg Lanning

Hertford, Aug 6 (IANS) Meg Lanning notched up a century in her first innings on English soil as Australia finished Day 1 of their two-day tour match against England Women’s A at 250/7 at the Radlett Cricket Club here.

Lanning (104), who opened the batting with Rachael Haynes (17), was at the crease for the first 42 overs of the match Monday before being caught off the bowling of Kate Cross (4/30). Her innings included 15 fours and one six as she notched a 51-run partnership with Sarah Elliott (14) and an 84-run partnership with Jess Cameron (40).

Cameron (40) and Alex Blackwell (32) added vital runs to the total as the team gained some valuable match practice ahead of the Ashes Test which starts Aug 11 at Wormsley.

The wickets of Jodie Fields (0) and Ellyse Perry (4) were lost in quick succession before rain forced an early tea break with Erin Osborne (18 not out) and Alyssa Healy (4 not out) at the crease.

Play did not resume due to the weather and will commence half an hour early Tuesday to make up for lost time.