Women's Ashes: England lose first ODI to Australia in early blow to series hopes in Sydney opener

Australia have made a winning start to the Women's Ashes by beating England by four wickets in the opening one-day international in Sydney.

The win for the home side and holders means they take the first two points in the multi-format series.

England were bowled out for 203 as Australia all-rounder Ash Gardner starred by taking 3-19 with the ball and then 42 not out with the bat.

• Women's Ashes: Australia vs England - first ODI scorecard
• Women's Ashes - Everything you need to know about schedule and format
• Heather Knight plans to meet with exiled Afghanistan players

Australia won with 67 balls to spare.

After being sent in to bat first, England opener Maia Bouchier was an early victim before captain Heather Knight set a strong pace at the crease.

Knight combined with Tammy Beaumont and later Nat Sciver-Brunt to put some pressure on the Aussies before she was dismissed by Gardner for 39 off just 48 balls.

With England at three for 92 following Knight's exit, the quick loss of Sciver-Brunt threatened to derail the middle order, but a combined 69 runs from Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones kept hopes of setting a competitive score alive.

However, the tail was unable to match Australia's imposing bowling attack as the tourists lost four of their final five wickets for single digits, ultimately setting the hosts a score of 204 for victory.

Although England was able to claim the quick scalp of Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield, a dominant performance from captain Alyssa Healy put the visitors on the backfoot.

Healy found the boundary 11 times before being dismissed by Charlie Dean for 70, but the damage was done. Gardner then posted her rapid 42 to get the hosts across the line.

Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Filer claimed two wickets each for England, and Lauren Bell one, but Gardner finished with three wickets in a player of the match performance.

England were without experienced seamer Kate Cross due to a back injury, with the 33-year-old having already missed the one-off Test against South Africa after suffering a back spasm.

The second ODI takes place on Monday in Melbourne from 11.05pm (UK time), with two further points on offer for the winner of the second match.

'We're not far off' - Knight positive despite opening loss

England captain Knight, who top-scored for the visitors with 39, saw early signs of encouragement for the series despite the side's underwhelming batting performance.

Asked about the team's bowling, Knight said: "Really pleased, it fell over really in that game, if we could nab a few of those wickets we felt we could really squeeze them and be on top.

"Bad toss to lose, I think, it seamed around a little bit at the top and the pitch dried out as the day went on, but really pleased with how the bowlers went about it, that wicket-taking mindset.

"Lauren Bell, I think that's the best I've seen her bowl in an England shirt, probably didn't get the wickets that she deserved but she was outstanding. Good control of her line and length and a little bit of movement off the pitch as well.

"Really pleased, really close, we're not far off, little things we can sharpen up on to be better in Melbourne."

Australia counterpart Healy said: "Pretty happy, always some little areas to work on, but to come here and take two points heading to Junction is obviously a positive."

Women's Ashes 2025 schedule

All dates and times UK and Ireland

• First ODI: Saturday January 11 - North Sydney Oval - Australia won by four wickets
• Second ODI: 11.05pm, Monday January 13 - Junction Oval, Melbourne
• Third ODI: 11.05pm, Thursday January 16 - Ninja Stadium, Hobart
• First T20I: 8.40am, Monday January 20 - Sydney Cricket Ground
• Second T20I: 8.40am, Thursday January 23 - Manuka Oval, Canberra
• Third T20I: 8.10am, Saturday January 25 - Adelaide Oval
• Test: 3.30am, Thursday Jan 30-Sunday Feb 2 - MCG, Melbourne

(c) Sky Sports 2025: Women's Ashes: England lose first ODI to Australia in early blow to series hopes in Sydney opener