Australia beat England by four wickets in the first one-day international in Sydney to seal victory in the Women’s Ashes Cup.

Victory for the home team and defending champions means they take the first two points in the multi-game series.

England were bowled out for 203 with Australia all-rounder Ash Gardner taking 3-19 with the ball before scoring 42 not out.

After being sent to bat first, England opener Maia Bouchier became an early victim until captain Heather Knight set up a strong spell at the crease rhythm.

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

England were reduced to 92 for 3 after Knight’s exit, with Seaver Brunt’s quick loss threatening to derail the middle order, but Danny Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones combined for 69 to keep the Hopes of setting up a competitive score remain.

However, Australia’s bowling attack was unable to compete with Australia’s strong bowling attack, which ended with the hosts conceding four of their last five wickets by single digits, ultimately handing the hosts a 204-run win. .

Although England made quick work of Australia opener Phoebe Litchfield, a dominant performance from captain Alyssa Healy left the visitors in trouble.

Healy had 11 boundaries before being dismissed for 70 by Charlie Dean, but the damage had been done. Gardner then scored a quick 42 to help the home team cross the finish line.

Sophie Ecclestone and Lauren Filer took two wickets each for England, while Gardner claimed three wickets as Man of the Match.

The second ODI will be played in Melbourne on Monday at 11:05pm (UK time), with the winner of the second match taking a further two points.

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2025 Women’s Ashes Schedule

All dates and times in the UK and Ireland

• First ODI: Saturday 11 January – North Sydney Oval – Australia wins by four wickets
• Second ODI: Monday 13 January 11.05pm – Junction Oval, Melbourne
• 3rd ODI: Thursday 16 January 11.05pm – Hobart Ninja Stadium
• First T20I: Monday 20 January 8:40am – Sydney Cricket Ground
• Second T20I: Thursday 23 January 8.40am – Manuka Oval, Canberra
• Third T20I: Saturday 25 January 8.10am – Adelaide Oval
• Test: Thursday 30 January to 3.30am on Sunday 2 February – MCG, Melbourne