Knight presses England batters to take initiative in Australia 

England women once again fell short of a much-needed win against Australia, despite a commendable effort from their bowlers. Led by the No.1 ranked Women’s ODI bowler, Sophie Ecclestone, who picked 4/35, the tourists restricted Australia to 180.

Despite early losses, England had a steady start to their chase, with the side comfortably placed at 68/2 early on. However, a disciplined Australia, led by Alana King (4/25) and Kim Garth (3/37) managed to tilt the game the hosts’ way.

The win gave Australia a 2-0 lead in the series, putting them in a commanding position ahead of the remaining matches.

After the game, a disappointed England captain, Heather Knight, urged her batting unit to show greater resolve in the middle.

"It's frustrating; I feel like it was there for the taking. The wickets cost us. We need to be braver with the bat," Knight told BBC TMS after the game.

While Nat Sciver-Brunt (35 off 57) and Amy Jones (47 from 103) did get starts, the rest of the batting unit failed. Despite their fight, England kept receiving blows during their chase, especially in the middle overs.

However, Amy Jones received full support from her skipper, who believed she delivered a class performance.

"Amy was great at keeping us in the game. She was trying to face the majority of the balls and picking up boundaries when she could. Amy got us close but unfortunately just not close enough.”

Knight added that she believed England were closing in on matching Australia, and hoped for an improved performance in the upcoming games.

"We're really close. We just need to do a few things better in a few areas and need to be braver with the bat."

England will play the third and final ODI of the Women's Ashes Series on 20th January in Sydney, aiming for redemption and a strong comeback to stay alive in the series. The ODIs will be followed by three T20Is and a lone Test in the multi-format Ashes.