The opening day of England’s tour of Australia revealed more weaknesses than strengths.
A 50-over match against the Governor General’s XI was badly affected by rain; the players leaving the field in the 29th over, not to return. Relaxed rules were in place: 14 per side, but the usual numbers onfield.
Only three of the Australian XIV are in the test squad: Alyssa Healy, Georgia Voll and Georgia Wareham.
England’s pace attack was way off target, allowing Healy (38/32) and Voll (57/42) to add 91 in under twelve overs. The two quicks, Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer, offered overpitched balls for the drive, while off-line deliveries found the leg-side boundary all too readily.
With Kate Cross still suffering back problems, it was unsettling seeing Filer tumble more than once on delivery. Since Nat Sciver-Brunt was well short of her best bowling form too, John Lewis’ choices in that department look worryingly thin. NSB’s lack of pace was ruthlessly exploited with pulls and hooks to leg. Danni Gibson brought a degree of control in her three overs.
As usual the spinners came to the rescue. Sophie Ecclestone trapped Healy lbw, then bowled both Voll and No 4 Charli Knott. Charlie Dean chipped in with two more, then Alice Capsey and Sarah Glenn, the eighth to bowl, added one each. But none of them could return really economical analyses, even Ecclestone going at 5.40.
This was an inauspicious start to the tour, though John Lewis claimed his squad was quite ready for every challenge. Today’s performance leaves his optimism in some doubt.
Scores:
G-G’s XI: 183-6 (Voll 57) (28.2 overs)
England did not bat
Venue: North Sydney Oval
