Runs on horizon for Lanning

Played two, lost two in any sport and in any series is a pretty difficult place to bounce back from. All the more difficult for England’s women, who find themselves in that position against Australia who, despite prevailing in the first two ODIS of the multi-format Ashes series, have not even been at their best.

A two-wicket win in the first match, followed by a four-wicket win in the second and the gap in calibre appears to be widening.

Most ominously for the hosts, Meg Lanning, the all-time leading century-maker in women’s ODIS, is yet to contribute, with two low scores so far. As she builds her way back following a long-term shoulder injury, the question is not a matter of if, but when, she will fire.

Matthew Mott, Australia’s head coach, said of Lanning’s form: “She got 90-odd in the practice game and looked in great nick.

“I thought she looked well set, her intent was excellent and she did look on for a big score. It took something special to get rid of her. You know runs aren’t far away for her.”

It may have taken a piece of brilliance from Katherine Brunt to dismiss Lanning, but these are few and far between for England. Australia, by contrast, seem to have found all their pieces and now it is just a case of slotting them in to all the right places.

Lose tomorrow’s final ODI in Canterbury and England will be 6-0 down. With a Test match, worth four points, and three Twenty20s, worth two each, to come, the chances of wresting back the Ashes look remote.

England v Australia

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