Manager Jon Lewis insists England will be ready for the opening Women’s Ashes this weekend despite the suspension of their only warm-up match.
After several rain delays, the match against the Australian Governor’s XI was reduced to 35 overs a side before the weather ended the home side’s innings of 183 for 8 in 28.2 overs.
England were set a revised target of 188 from 28 overs, but play did not resume at North Sydney Oval.
“We would like to play more cricket, but that’s not the reality,” Lewis told cricket.com.au. “You can’t control the weather.”
“The players are ready. We have been playing a lot of cricket in the last 4-5 months… They have been playing all the way from the World Cup to South Africa and we had a very short break so they came here and it felt like they got off to a good start.”
lauren flyer
Lewis also ignored the problems experienced by fast bowler Lauren Filer, who slipped several times in greasy conditions and gave up 33 runs in 2.5 overs.
“It was very similar to what Mark Wood does, just a little greasier,” Lewis added.
“It wasn’t ideal conditions for her, but hopefully the wicket on Sunday will be a little less grassy and a little drier.
“I don’t think it affects her confidence. It affected her practice. She’s pretty sure where she is. She bowled well at her usual pace. Because it was quite difficult to stand up.”
Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the England bowlers as she removed both openers and took 3 for 27 in five overs.
Kate Cross did not feature as she continues to recover from back cramps that ended her tour of South Africa, but Lewis said: “She bowled for Cricket Central today and is progressing well.
“We are waiting to see how she spends Saturday and will make a decision after that.”
The first one-day international competition takes place in Sydney on Sunday.
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