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Aussie lasses favoured to beat England

World Cup holders Australia begin as favourites in a one-day women's cricket series gets under way, against England, at Scarborough Saturday.

Australia's women's team, which surprisingly found itself having to pay from its own collective pocket in order to make the trip, has been on an awesome run of form, winning all the three warm-up matches they have played since arrival in England.

The likes of Barbara Daniels, Kathryn Lengince and Karen Rolton -- the last named in fact scored a fine century against South of England earlier this week -- epitomise the team's batting strength.

Against them is ranged an England attack that looks woefully short on fire power. In fact, the brightest prospect for the home side is rookie Sarah Collyer, all of 17 years old and last seen playing for the England Under-21 against the tourists. The young medium pacer is expected to earn an international cap sooner, rather than later, in the five game series.

The England squad, which went down to Australia in the World Cup, is packed with all rounders, on a flat, hard track that is expected to aid batting.

To be played over 50 overs a side, the series will move on to Derby on Wednesday, Hove on Saturday, Southampton on Sunday and climax at Lord's, on Tuesday, July 21.

Agencies