Sutherland and Gardner bring back bad memories for outgunned England

Ever get the feeling of deja vu? In Indore yesterday, Australia took up where they had left off at the MCG in January: Alana King bowled unplayable balls, Annabel Sutherland and Ash Gardner piled on the runs, and one side left the other for dust.

- Raf Nicholson

It is the World Cup instead of the Ashes, but the result - a six-wicket win for Australia, with 57 balls to spare - was horribly familiar.

Sutherland's contribution to this World Cup had been limited to merely being the leading wicket-taker. Yesterday, she again showcased her variations, getting a hint of away movement to clip the top of Amy Jones's off stump, before removing Tammy Beaumont and Emma Lamb with her slower ball. Her three for 60, and a 10-over spell from King that went for 20, ensured that England put just 244 on the board.

England saw a glimmer of hope after Australia wobbled to 68 for four, with Linsey Smith again making inroads in the powerplay. But Sutherland, who had failed to reach double figures in four previous matches, snatched that hope away. Her unbeaten 98 was bettered only by the supremely powerful ball-striking of Gardner, who took 22 balls to transform her half-century into a ton.