ENGLAND'S women slumped to defeat at Southampton yesterday to complete a dispiriting weekend. They were dismissed for only 102, hemmed in by accurate bowling and brilliant fielding, and Australia strolled past the target in 24.5 overs to complete an eight-wicket victory.

Karen Smithies won the toss and chose to bat on an easy-paced pitch, a show of confidence she could not have really felt as England were without Charlotte Edwards and Jan Brittin, their best bats, who both sustained injuries in the previous one-day international at Hove on Saturday.

The innings started as it was to go on, when makeshift opener Kathryn Leng was run out in the sixth over. Despite a brave effort by Clare Connor, England were unable to pierce the attacking fields and at the half-way stage only had 49 on the board. As they tried to increase the tempo their running faltered under the pressure to such an extent that every run was potentially suicidal. Six players were run out, three by the Australian captain, Belinda Clarke.

In reply the Australians made it look easy. Lisa Keightley's 56 not out included seven fours, matching the number in England's entire innings.

It was a similar story at Hove the previous day where the only bonus for England was Edwards' 75 which ended her temporary lack of form.

Despite the early loss of Clarke, Australia built a total that England never threatened. There was some phenomenal hitting from Karen Rolton, who scored 67 off 70 balls, and Melanie Jones and Bronwyn Calver added an unbroken stand of 55.

Two English players, Clare Taylor and Katharine Winks, made their debuts over the weekend. Neither made a big impression but they represent the future and should give England some hope when they go to Lord's tomorrow desperate to avoid a 5-0 whitewash.