Fields and Haynes create world-record partnership for sixth wicket

Close on the heels of a 4-0 thrashing by England Women in the ODI series, Australia had a disastrous start in the first day of the only Women's Test between the sides at Worcester on Friday before being rescued by a world record sixth-wicket partnership. Australia skipper Jodie Fields and debutant Rachael Haynes put on a strong batting display to build a partnership of 229 runs for the sixth wicket and swing the momentum.

Winning the toss, Australia chose to bat, which proved to be unwise at first with five early wickets lost to just 28 runs. Right arm medium pacer Katherine Brunt (5-55) tore apart the Australia top-order batting line up with both Alex Blackwell and Karen Rolton dismissed for nought.

The Australia innings lacked a strong initial resistance, which was provided by Fields (139 in 254 balls) and Haynes (98 in 239 balls) as they charged up the scorecard to 257. Fields, playing only her second Test, smashed 21 boundaries in her innings before she was caught leg before by Brunt to be her fifth wicket.

Haynes continued her onslaught to be dismissed two runs short of her century by Laura Marsh as the Australian innings progressed to 271-7 at the end of the day.