Claire Taylor and Jenny Gunn discuss the state of the game

England's women succumbed to their third successive defeat in the four-nation event in India, sliding to a six-wicket reverse against Australia.

Despite a superb 113 off 115 balls from Claire Taylor, featuring 15 fours and a six, England were only able to post a modest 216-7 after winning the toss.

Jenny Gunn struck in the third over of the Australia reply but Melissa Bulow hit a determined half-century.

Lisa Sthalekar's unbeaten 85 guided her team to victory with 10 overs to spare.

England captain Charlotte Edwards did not hide her anger after watching her team fail to live up to expectations again.

"I'm bitterly disappointed," she said. "We've not played anywhere near our potential for the amount of talent we have in the squad.

"We're still a relatively young side but we're capable of better cricket than what we've been playing. It's important we learn from today and take that forward into our next three games which are crucial."

Centurion Claire Taylor said: "Batting conditions were very difficult, it wasn't a pitch that was as true or as quick as the pitch we played on two days ago and the Australians bowled really well, with some good lengths, and on one side of the wicket.

"I'm pleased with my discipline given the wickets at the other end. I've achieved my goal of scoring a century in India, I'm just disappointed to be on the losing end of things."

Meanwhile, a century stand between Maria Fahey and Sara McGlashan helped New Zealand maintain their 100% record in the competition with a three-wicket win over hosts India.

Both teams had won their opening two matches against England and Australia.

Hemlata Kala helped India recover from the loss of Karu Jain and Anjum Chopra for ducks, scoring 65 with five fours and a six in a total of 201.

The Kiwi fourth-wicket partnership of 104 spanned 22 overs and although both fell in fairly close proximity, Helen Watson bludgeoned four fours in her unbeaten 19 to see the team home with 17 balls remaining.