Record partnership hands England's women cricketers Ashes advantage

Last updated at 09:51 16 February 2008

A record partnership from captain Charlotte Edwards and Claire Taylor ensured

England continued their hold over Australia on day two of the Ashes Test match in Bowral.

The pair put on 159 for the third wicket, a stand that contributed the vast

bulk of the tourists' total as they reached stumps on 222 for seven.

That gave them a useful lead of 68 but England should have taken the game away

from their hosts after reaching tea on 173 for two.

They collapsed from 216 for four in the final session to give Australia hope of

a dramatic comeback.

The home side also started the day on top, England losing openers Caroline

Atkins (15) and Beth Morgan (10) in successive overs to slip to 26 for two.

Taylor and Edwards more than steadied the ship despite seamer-friendly

conditions before the latter (94) fell agonisingly short of her century.

Their 159 partnership surpassed England's previous record for the third wicket

against Australia, the 137 put on by Rachael Heyhoe-Flint and Edna Barker in

1968-69.

Taylor was out for 79, sparking a mini-collapse, which saw the departure of

Sarah Taylor (19), Nicky Shaw and Lydia Greenway (both nought).

Rosalie Birch (one not out) and Laura Marsh (2no) were unbeaten at the close.