Women's Test Match, Worcester (day two, stumps):
England 116-5 v Australia 309
Match scorecard

Morgan played defensively to reach 23 from 123 deliveries

England's women rallied to reach 116-5 after a disastrous start in reply to Australia's 309 on the second day of their four-day Ashes encounter.

Openers Caroline Atkins (2) and Lydia Greenway (5) were stunned early on falling in quick succession.

Worse followed as Claire Taylor (10) and captain Charlotte Edwards (10) departed within four balls.

However, once Sarah Taylor (24) was dismissed Beth Morgan (23) and Jenny Gunn (34) calmed England's nerves.

Morgan and Gunn played defensively throughout the late stages of the rain delayed encounter to force their way back into the game, Morgan facing 123 balls for her 23 and Gunn taking 75 deliveries to reach 34 at New Road.

Ironically Australia had been 28-5 on day one before a 229-run sixth-wicket partnership between Jodie Fields and Rachael Haynes rescued them.

The tourists were bowled out just before lunch thanks in part to Katherine Brunt's 6-69 from 26 overs and Nicki Shaw's 3-67.

England, aiming to add to their World Cup and World Twenty20 crowns, will need to find more sturdy batting on Sunday as they look to keep hold of the Ashes.

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