Guha's five-star show

15 February 2008 | By Justin Goulding

Isa Guha enjoys the wicket of Karen Rolton en route to fine figures of 5-40 © Getty Images

Isa Guha justified her selection for the one-off Ashes Test against Australia with a five-wicket haul as England women took charge on the opening day at the Bradman Oval.

The seamer, recalled to the side after missing the final one-day international, returned figures of 5-40 to help bowl Australia out for 154.

England, who need only a draw to retain the Ashes, reached 22 without loss in the 16 overs possible before the close of play on a day in which runs came at less than two an over.

Nicky Shaw claimed 2-18 off an astonishing 19 overs, nine of which were maidens, and there was also a wicket for Laura Marsh after England won the toss.

Kate Blackwell, so impressive in the drawn limited-overs campaign, spent 158 balls making 45 - the highest score of the Australia innings - with Karen Rolton’s 34 the next best contribution.

Guha removed Alex Blackwell, Lisa Sthalekar, Shelley Nitschke and Rolton, while Shaw accounted for Melissa Bulow, to reduce the hosts to 59 for five.

Kate Blackwell and Ellyse Perry’s half-century stand for the sixth wicket repaired the damage somewhat, although they were run out either side of Marsh’s dismissal of Leonie Coleman.

Shaw had Sarah Andrews stumped by Sarah Taylor before Guha capped a superb day’s work by bowling Kirsten Pike, and openers Caroline Atkins and Beth Morgan ensured England will resume on day two firmly in the ascendancy after blunting the Australia attack in the final session.