Nat Sciver-Brunt made a scratchy three from seven balls upon her return from injury as England suffered a five-wicket defeat by Australia in their T20 World Cup warm-up in Cardiff.
Australia, who are six-time T20 world champions, served a reminder of their class as they cruised to their target of 158 with 10 balls to spare as Ellyse Perry top-scored with 64.
Sciver-Brunt missed England’s preceding series wins against New Zealand and India with a calf injury and was bowled by leg-spinner Alana King’s first ball as she mistimed a pull shot.
The captain batted at three and, after plenty of speculation, replaced Sophia Dunkley in England’s top six as England rejigged their top order. Amy Jones was 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.
England rested Charlie Dean, who stood in as captain for Sciver-Brunt earlier in the summer, and shuffled their bowling attack to give overs to Lauren Filer, Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Capsey.
Lauren Bell was England’s most consistent performer again, with figures of 2-22.
England play India in their second warm-up match at the same venue on Wednesday.
