England made the perfect start to the Women's Ashes by winning the first one-day international by four wickets against Australia at Taunton.
It was the tourists who won what looked to be an important toss on a perfect batting surface, but they were soon in trouble due to some excellent bowling from Katherine Brunt, who removed openers Elyse Velani (18) and Jess Jonassen before Kate Cross trapped captain Meg Lanning lbw to leave Australia on 35-3.
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England's progress was halted by a fourth-wicket partnership of 121 between Ellyse Perry and Alex Blackwell (58), before the latter was run out by a fine piece of fielding from Heather Knight.
Perry eventually departed for 78 from 96 balls as Australia reached 238-9 from their 50 overs, with Brunt taking 3-48.
The all-rounder made an impact with the ball to bowl Charlotte Edwards for just 15, and England's reply looked in serious trouble when Sarah Taylor was caught behind off Osborne with the hosts on 80-4.
However, the match was turned on a brilliant partnership of 122 between Lydia Greenway (53) and Natalie Sciver (66) and Georgia Elwiss struck an unbeaten 25 to lead her side to the two points in the multi-format series.
The second of three ODIs takes place at Bristol on Thursday.
Callum Mulvihill
