Taylor's 101 puts England on right track

England 5 for 277 (Taylor 101, Atkins 50) beat Sri Lanka 7 for 177 (de Alwis 37, Marsh 3-32) by 100 runs
Scorecard

Claire Taylor's century helped England, one of the tournament favourites, send an early message to Australia and New Zealand by sweeping aside Sri Lanka in Canberra. Taylor's 101 off 95 balls, her eighth ODI hundred, was the key display in England's formidable 5 for 277 and they were never in danger of defeat as Sri Lanka reached 7 for 177 in 50 overs.

Taylor, who struck ten fours, entered after the openers Caroline Atkins and Sarah Taylor started the tournament with an 80-run stand. Sarah Taylor was the first to go for 38 before Atkins followed her after bringing up a half-century, and Claire Taylor continued to build the momentum.

Taylor departed in the 48th over and left with her side in complete control. Charlotte Edwards (27) and Lydia Greenway (32 not out) also gained some decent practice for the greater challenges ahead.

"I'm pleased to get some runs early in the tournament," Taylor said. "The Sri Lankans must be sick of the sight of me but all due respect to them for keeping going in the field with the ball and attacking us with the bat."

Eshani Lokusooriya was the leading bowler for Sri Lanka with 2 for 41 after picking up Atkins and Taylor. Sri Lanka began with a 48-run opening partnership between Dedunu de Silva (27) and Chamari Polgampola (15), but already the run-rate required was increasing and they could not keep up with the pace. Suwini de Alwis, the No. 5, started brightly and struck 37 from 50 balls, but it didn't help make the target easier.

Laura Marsh picked up three wickets to provide regular trouble and three run-outs also assisted in the comfortable victory. England's next match is the battle of the Group B big guns and they will take on India at North Sydney Oval on Tuesday.

"Although we accept the two points for the win we must show improvement in all three disciplines before we take on India on Tuesday," said England coach Mark Lane. "Claire Taylor played brilliantly today for us, using all her cricket nous and experience. The opening bowling lacked penetration and at times the fielding was lacklustre."