ENGLAND’S women routed Australia by nine wickets in their opening one-day international clash at Chelmsford.

The hosts’ bowlers shone as they dismissed the tourists for a meagre 133 in the first of five 50-over matches.

It could have been even worse for the Australians as a top-order collapse left them reeling on 34 for five, but useful contributions from Lauren Ebsary (23) and Rene Farrell (39) helped them out of a hole.

That England would reach their target was never in doubt as openers Sarah Taylor (68) and Caroline Atkins (48 not out) took charge.

Spinner Holly Colvin was the pick of an impressive bunch with three for 27 and Katherine Brunt – whose three for six inspired England to victory over New Zealand in the Women’s World Twenty20 final earlier this month – excelled again with two for 22.

In England’s reply Taylor and Atkins’ century partnership came up in the 23rd over when Taylor swept crisply for four but she was caught behind off Lisa Sthalekar in the 26th and penultimate over.

Claire Taylor (eight) joined Atkins at the crease to close out the victory.

Earlier, Brunt set the tone from the off by removing Australian opener Shelley Nitschke with the first ball of the innings.

Australia’s opening four made just 13 runs combined as Australia slumped to four for two, nine for three and then 34 for five.

Ebsary and Farrell pushed the total beyond at 100-mark at least, but the scoring was painfully slow before the innings ended two balls shy of the allotted 50 overs. (Eurosport)