England level Ashes with thrilling ODI victory

England levelled the women's Ashes multi-format series in thrilling fashion with a two-wicket win in the first one-day international at Bristol.

England lost three late wickets but number 10 Kate Cross remained unfazed, smashing four fours in her stunning cameo of 19.

It is England's first ODI victory over the world champions since 2017.

The points-based series is beautifully poised at 6-6 with two ODIs to play, of which Australia only need to win one to retain the Ashes.

England started their chase in phenomenal style, reaching 84-1 from the 10-over powerplay with opener Tammy Beaumont scoring 47 from 42 balls, and the aggressive Alice Capsey blitzing a 34-ball 40.

Australia were uncharacteristically sloppy in the field, gifting England 16 extras in the first four overs as loose balls were punished to the boundary with ease.

Spinners Ash Gardner and Georgia Wareham were instrumental in dragging control back for Australia but Knight held firm as the middle to lower order stumbled, eventually finding company in Cross for a match-winning partnership of 32.

England were also ragged in the field, dropping five catches and missing a stumping as Beth Mooney was dropped on 19 and finished unbeaten on 81, but Australia's batters failed to fully capitalise.

Australia, who had a lead of 6-0, had previously lost just one from 42 ODIs, and have now lost three consecutive games after England's 2-1 T20 series win.

More to follow.