Alex Blackwell hit six fours to help bring up a patient century

Alex Blackwell hit her first century for Australia as they beat England by 84 runs in Melbourne to level the best of five one-day series at 1-1.

Blackwell made 101 off 159 balls and shared a fourth-wicket stand of 111 with twin sister Kate, who made an unbeaten 57.

The pair steered Australia to a total of 240-4 and England were never in the hunt after slumping to 24-3 in reply.

Ellyse Perry took 3-24 and England were all out for 156 in the 46th over.

England had won their first one-day match in Australia since 1988 to take the lead in the series on Sunday.

We're optimistic we can bounce back in the third ODI in Sydney on Thursday Coach Mark Dobson

But Australia hit back strongly with a much-improved batting and bowling display.

England captain Charlotte Edwards said: "It was a complete reverse of Sunday. Australia came out exactly as I thought they would.

"We weren't at our best, which is where you need to be to beat Australia.

"Before the series I'd have taken 1-1 after the first two games and it's all to play for in Sydney now."

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Coach Mark Dobson added: "It was a disappointing performance with only Nicky Shaw really bowling well.

"It was important for us to get off to a good start with the run chase, but unfortunately that wasn't the case.