Taylor on top as World Cup begins with a win

Claire Taylor struck a superb century, her eighth in one-day internationals, to help England cruise to a 100-run victory against Sri Lanka in Canberra on the opening day of the Women's World Cup. Her 101 from 95 balls, together with 50 from opener Caroline Atkins, helped England post 277 for five after being asked to bat first.

The Sri Lankans were then limited to 177 for seven from their 50 overs, Laura Marsh the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 31 from her 10 overs and Holly Colvin taking 1 for 33 from nine.

The England coach Mark Lane was critical, however, saying, "The opening bowling lacked penetration and at times the fielding was lacklustre. We must show improvement in all three disciplines before we take on India on Tuesday."

In Durban, Andrew McDonald took three wickets in the final session to maintain Australia's grip on the Second Test against South Africa, with the hosts closing 138 for 7, 15 runs short of avoiding the follow-on. Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis and Morne Morkel were victims of the all-rounder's medium pace, which followed a burst from Mitchell Johnson that reduced the Proteas to 0 for 2 in the first over. The Australian paceman injured Graeme Smith and Kallis with brutal deliveries that forced both to retire as the home side saw their morning efforts, claiming the visitors' last six wickets for 23 runs to bowl them out for 352, overhauled. JP Duminy was left to carry home hopes, unbeaten on 73.

Samit Patel was one of three batsmen to make half-centuries as England Lions posted a hard-working 331 for 9 on the first day of the second "Test" against New Zealand A in Lincoln.

Patel, "de-selected" last week from the limited-overs leg of the Caribbean tour because of concerns about his fitness levels, proved that his batting is in order. The Nottinghamshire all-rounder's 64 from 101 balls helped Robert Key's side recover from 154 for six at after most of the top order failed to get going.