England's women show Paul Collingwood's men the way as they beat Australia in opening Twenty20 match

Lydia Greenway hit an unbeaten 39 to steer the tourists past Australia’s 140 for five.

England were always ahead of the required rate in chase of a competitive target after openers Charlotte Edwards (16) and Laura Marsh (23) got off to a bright start.

When they fell, Greenway completed the job, hitting four fours and a six in a 26-ball innings.

Holly Colvin was the pick of England’s bowlers, claiming the early wickets of Shelley Nitschke and Leah Poulton, to a smart return catch, in figures of two for 21.

A partnership of 68 between Lisa Sthalekar (38) and Alex Blackwell (35) for the fourth wicket accelerated Australia’s scoring.

The second of the five-game series will be played at the MCG on Friday, once again as a precursor to Paul Collingwood's side taking on Australia.

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The Ashes: Australia women v England women, first Test, day one report

A maiden Ashes Test century from captain Charlotte Edwards helped England's women to a recovery of sorts in Sydney, as they ended the first day of the first Test on 181 for eight.

Edwards occupied the crease for over five hours on her way to an unbeaten 103, after her decision to bat after winning the toss had initially backfired.

A devastating new-ball spell from Ellyse Perry saw Heather Knight and Caroline Atkins removed as England slipped to seven for two, with Lydia Greenway not far behind them as she was snared by Rene Farrell.

But Edwards dropped anchor to halt Australia's charge and her partnership of 65 with Jenny Gunn was the biggest of the day.

Gunn eventually fell to Rachael Haynes for 33, leaving Edwards to accelerate her scoring further as the tail fell around her.

Perry returned to end the day with figures of four for 43, with Edwards and Gunn the only England players to reach double figures.

Edwards had faced 277 deliveries at stumps and said: "I've always wanted to score a Test hundred against Australia so this is definitely one of my career highlights so far.

"We did lose wickets in the middle today, but the lower order helped me along and contributed some important runs.

"I'm looking forward to getting out there again tomorrow and hope we can push past 200."

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