Women's Ashes 2014: England lose second Twenty20 international

Australia won by seven wickets

Alyssa Healy (R) of Australia runs between wickets during game two of the International Twenty20 series between Australia and England at the MCC (GETTY IMAGES)

England’s women yesterday suffered a heavy loss to Australia in the second Twenty20 international in Melbourne.With the Ashes secured two days before in Hobart, Charlotte Edwards’ injury-depleted side produced a tired display. After being sent in they made 98 for 6 with opener Edwards’ 28 the highest score.

Australia coasted to victory from 15.1 overs with Meg Lanning (42) and Alyssa Healy (37 not out) combining in a match-winning 69-run stand.

“It was very disappointing,” said Edwards. “We didn’t bat well at all and we didn’t adapt to the conditions. It’s a slightly slower pitch here, and ultimately 98 is never going to be enough for a young bowling attack so we’re disappointed all round.”

England took an unassailable lead in the multi-format series following their nine-wicket win in the first Twenty20 in Hobart on Wednesday. Australia’s success at the MCG reduced the series score to 10-6 with two points left to play for in the final Twenty20 in Sydney tomorrow.

Meg Lanning, left, guided Australia to a comfortable victory with a 69-run stand with Alyssa Healy (Getty Images) (Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Natasha Farrant, Jenny Gunn, Heather Knight and Anya Shrubsole were all ruled out through injury before the game and England were in early trouble when Holly Ferling bowled Dani Wyatt and Sarah Taylor. They never got going thereafter with Edwards caught and bowled by Erin Osborne.

Arran Brindle added an unbeaten 26 from 26 balls late on, but a total below 100 never appeared enough. That proved to be the case as Healy and Lanning took Australia to the brink of victory. Georgia Elwiss had Lanning well caught in the deep five short of victory, before Healy scored the winning runs.