Aussies Discover Some Pride

England Women suffered an Ashes hangover in Melbourne as they slumped to a seven-wicket defeat in the second Twenty20 international against Australia.

England, inspired by skipper Charlotte Edwards, had successfully defended the Ashes in the multi-format series with victory in the first T20 clash in Hobart.

However despite having little to now play for in the final two matches, Australia at least prevented England having things their own way.

A superb bowling display from the hosts limited England to just 98-6 off their 20 overs before they reached their target with 29 balls to spare.

Edwards again top scored for England with 28, while Arran Brindle added a run-a-ball 26 not out - however the tourists lost wickets at crucial times and were unable to shake off the shackles.

Holly Ferling (2-14) got Australia off to an ideal start with the scalp of Danielle Wyatt in the first over, while she then bowled Sarah Taylor for eight.

Lydia Greenway added 15 before she fell to Ellyse Perry, while Jess Jonassen trapped Natalie Sciver (4) leg before.

Australia got the crucial wicket of Edwards in the 13th over, with Erin Osborne taking the caught and bowled chance, while Rene Farrell bowled Amy Jones for 14.

The score never looked like troubling the hosts, with England unable to claim the crucial early breakthrough.

Danielle Hazell did bowl Elyse Villani (16), however Alyssa Healy - the niece of former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy - and Meg Lanning went after the England attack.

Healy finished on 37 not out, while Lanning hit 42 off 28 balls during their 69-run stand.

Lanning finally fell to a good catch from Greenway off Georgia Elwiss, while Brindle removed Jess Cameron for a second-ball duck but Healy saw Australia over the finish line.