Vish Ehantharajah in Bristol: "An early call, no doubt, but I get the feeling Australia have enough here. While the outfield might be quick, the pitch itself is pretty uninspiring, which might explain why the crowd are so flat here.

"Credit to Beth Mooney for squeezing 81 unbeaten runs from this deck. Even given the drops on 19 or 39, she's played it all very well, hitting to very specific areas without trying to force the issues. She used her feet well to Sophie Ecclestone and Alice Capsey, and showed good endeavour between the stumps - only 24 runs came in boundaries - to sneak Australia above par.

"Given the need to create your own timing on this pitch, much will depend on Nat Sciver-Brunt. Australia favourites to retain the Ashes at the halfway stage."

4.06pm: Mooney's unbeaten 81 has anchored Australia to 263 for 8 after a few early strikes. It's not a huge score but they could still defend it. Despite Mooney's initial struggle, she got going and found six boundaries in her 99-ball innings. Litchfield, Jonassen and Perry chipped in but nobody else could convert it into a big score. Meanwhile, England used six bowlers and all of them are among wicket. Bell picked up two wickets in three balls to bring England back into the game in the 37th over. Sciver-Brunt also took two crucial wickets.

Capsey tells the host broadcaster, "263, we take that." England could have restricted Australia below 250 if they had held on to their chances. On the brighter side, NSB and Ecclestone took two excellent catches. Come back after a break as Matt Roller will bring you the live action.

Schutt at No.10 Saurabh M : "Beth Mooney is such a gem of a player for Aus ...I've rarely seen her failed ...."

Boomerang : "@ Matthew: Women managing time better than men? Sounds familiar."

Sciver-Brunt to bowl the final over