Key events
Meanwhile England coach Jon Lewis sails blithely on, despite the brickbats.
A interesting choice to blame the weather on Australia’s greater athleticism. It might hold for the general population, but not really for professional athletes.
Australia XI
Australia XI: Georgia Voll, Beth Mooney (wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath (capt), Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
England XI
England XI: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (capt), Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Filer
Australia win the toss and BAT
Everything is running for Australia. “It’s a lovely wicket out there,” McGrath says “We’ve committed to a game style.” She’s playing at home, with lots of family in the crowd and is “so excited.” One change for Australia – Darcie Brown replaces Kim Garth
Heather Knight continues to put on a brave face. “We chased really well the other night so not too disappointed to chase tonight. I loved the way we fought with the bat.” Three changes for England – Linsey Smith, Alice Capsey and Lauren Filer replace Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier and Sarah Glenn.
Alex Hartley, the subject of her own media storm over the last few days after Sophie Ecclestone refused to give her an interview, is standing in the hot sun and reports short boundaries square and a bit of grass on the wicket.
Preamble
Good morning! Roll along we must in this multi-format Ashes series, the spoils already Australia’s, with England yet to get a point on the board.
Just six points remain to be collected – four in the pink-ball Test, and two from today’s game, the final T20 in Adelaide.
Tahlia McGrath’s side haven’t hidden their desire for a whitewash, but an improved performance in the second T20 should give England hope. If only they can hold their catches….
Time for a quick cup of tea, play starts at 8.15GMT, 645pm in Adelaide. Do join us on the OBO sofa.
