England get a wake-up call ahead of big final

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

England had already qualified for Sunday's decider and went through the motions at the North Sydney Oval in their last Super Six game.

Australia knocked off England's 161 all out in 34 overs but it was a hollow victory as the defending champions saw their own hopes of sneaking into the final crushed by New Zealand's 223-run victory over Pakistan today.

England went into the match unbeaten in the tournament and skipper Edwards is banking on her side regaining their focus before facing New Zealand in Sydney.

"It was a really disappointing show from our girls. We weren't up for it," said Edwards (below). "Hopefully this is a blip and thank God it's not Sunday and the final."

Australia captain Karen Rolton was pleased that her team had finally gelled but knew it was too little, too late.

"It's very disappointing we're not playing in the final," she said. "It was a good effort and it's the first time we've put all the facets of our game together."

After winning the toss and opting to bat England slumped to 46 for three after 13 overs with fast bowlers Sarah Andrews and Rene Farrell doing the damage.

Claire Taylor, who top scored for England with 49, and Lydia Greenway launched a rescue mission and put on 60 for the fourth wicket before Greenway was stumped having made 22. That triggered another slump, as England lost four more wickets for just nine, before Nicky Shaw (16) and Jenny Gunn (21) engineered a mini-revival with a late stand of 26.

Australia openers Shelley Nitschke and Leah Poulton got the Aussie reply off to a flying start with a 79-run stand before Rolton and Alex Blackwell finished off the job with another big stand.