England women on brink of keeping Ashes

Lydia Greenway, right, and Arran Brindle celebrate the win (Getty)

Lydia Greenway has warned her England team-mates not to take anything for granted despite her unbeaten 69 in the first one-day international, leaving Charlotte Edwards’ side on the brink of retaining the Ashes.

A seven-wicket win over Australia in Melbourne means England now lead the series 8-0, after winning the one-off Test which was worth six points, and now need just one victory in either the final two ODIs or three Twenty20s to keep the urn.

“England and Australia in any sport is always going to be huge competition,” said Greenway.

“It’s a good win, it probably looks a little more comfortable than it actually was.”

After the hosts posted a target of 201 with an unbeaten 89 from Alex Blackwell, England were struggling at 68 for 3 until Greenway and Arran Brindle (64 not out) put on an unbroken stand of 142.