Nat Sciver-Brunt made a scratchy three from seven balls upon her return from injury as England posted 157-6 against Australia in their T20 World Cup warm-up in Cardiff.
Sciver-Brunt missed England’s preceding series wins against New Zealand and India with injury and was bowled by leg-spinner Alana King’s first ball as she mistimed a pull shot.
The captain batted at three and replaced Sophia Dunkley in England’s top six with Amy Jones promoted to open, which is an indication of how they intend to line up for the World Cup opener against Sri Lanka on Friday.
Both openers also fell cheaply, though, with Jones caught at mid-off for two and Danni Wyatt-Hodge bowled for four.
Alice Capsey continued her fine form as she top-scored with 45 to rescue England from 19-3, while all-rounders Freya Kemp and Dani Gibson added valuable cameos of 41 and 27 to help post 157-6.
King, who was England’s nemesis during the 16-0 Ashes defeat last year, was the pick of the bowlers with 2-10 as she also dismissed former captain Heather Knight.
Dunkley’s place was vulnerable after she scored 98 runs in six innings during England’s preceding series against New Zealand and India, with a highest score of 26.
Sciver-Brunt is playing as a specialist batter as she continues her recovery from a calf injury.
England play India in their second warm-up match at the same venue on Wednesday.
