The Australian women's cricket team, the Commonwealth Bank Southern Stars has enjoyed a solid lead-up to their first Test against England, after defeating an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Development XI by 88 runs yesterday at Radlett.

The tourists who won the toss and elected to bat, used the match to experiment with a new opening combination of Australian captain Belinda Clark and Lisa Keightley of News South Wales. The pair were impressive taking Australia's score to 103 without loss, before Keightley was dismissed for 40.

Vice-captain Karen Rolton of South Australia, continued the form she demonstrated at last year's World Cup, top scoring with an entertaining 69 off 56 balls. Rolton's innings combined with Skipper Clark's 67, and cameo performances from Louise Broadfoot (15), Therese McGregor (14) and Olivia Magno (15) saw the Australians complete their 50 over innings at 8 for 225.

In reply, the ECB Development XI made 9 for 147 and became Australia's first opponents of the tour thus far to bat out the 50 overs. Victorian Cathryn Fitzpatrick was the pick of the bowlers for Australia (3-39 off 10 overs), while Charmaine Mason (2 -9) and Olivia Magno (2 -13) also performed tidy spells.

The team's next match is the first four-day Test against England, scheduled for Sunday 24 June at Shenley. Australia play two test matches and three one-day internationals throughout their tour of the United Kingdom.

© Womens Cricket Australia