England women make winning start to Indian tour

The England Women's Cricket team made a winning start to their tour of India today, beating a Women's Cricket Association of India XI (WCAI) by 6 wickets in a warm-up match at the Guru Nanak College Ground, Chennai.

England's bowlers shared the wickets as the Association fielded the India international opening batting partnership, Gulshan Sharma (0) and Jaya Sharma (30). 21-year-old Nottinghamshire off-spinner Dawn Holden, who travelled to India from Australia having played for Western Australia State this winter, took two wickets as did England's most experienced player, Clare Taylor, touring India for the fourth time.

Surrey's Sarah Clarke, making her full England debut, took the wicket of Reema Malhotra for 4 runs. Gulshan, Sudharani and Patel were all out for 0.

In reply, England's young openers Caroline Atkins (Sussex) and Arran Thompson (Lancashire) reached 21 without loss, with Thompson finally finishing on 65* in the 46th over, beating her previous highest England score of 44*. England Captain Clare Connor finished on 13* having also taken the wicket of Sharma.

The England team are staying in Chennai, and play the first one-day international match against India on Sunday 6th January at the Gurunanak College Ground.

WCAI XI won toss and elected to bat.

Women's Cricket Association of India XI : 137 for 9 from 50 overs

England: 138 for 4 from 46 overs

ENGLAND WON BY 6 WICKETS