England beat Windies to progress

By Stephan Shemilt BBC Sport in Mumbai England beat West Indies by six wickets to book their place in the Super Six stage of the Women's World Cup in India.

The Windies were made to rue their decision to bat first in seam-friendly conditions, being bowled out for 101 with Anya Shrubsole taking 4-21.

England reached their target for the loss of four wickets, Danielle Wyatt making a career-best score of 40.

Sri Lanka's emphatic victory over India, which knocked the hosts out of the tournament, means England will take two points through to the next round.

Teams carry through the points they pick up against fellow qualifiers and England lost to Sri Lanka in their opening match before beating India.

"Anya Shrubsole bowled with pace and control. Her line against the left-handers was wayward against India but she got movement and bounce. I think she deserves the player of the match award. I hope Katherine Brunt's fine, as she rolled her ankle slightly - we think it may have been in celebration. It's the sort of thing the coaches will be a little annoyed about, but at least they've got two days off until the next game, while that should also help Charlotte Edwards who has been ill today."

However, England will carry momentum into the second phase after putting that early shock defeat behind them to finish top of their group on run-rate from Sri Lanka.

They were, however, partly indebted to Windies captain Merissa Aguilleira for this victory. When England lost the toss for the third time in the tournament, Aguilleira opted to bat first on a greenish pitch covered in morning dew.

The decision was instantly shown to be the wrong one as Katherine Brunt and Shrubsole removed openers Kycia Knight and Stefanie Taylor in the first two overs.

In all, nine wickets fell to seam bowling. Only when England turned to spin after Brunt was forced from the field with an injury were West Indies able to put up any sort of resistance in the shape of a 59-run stand between Kyshona Knight and Shanel Daley.

Brunt had figures of 2-10 from her six overs when an ankle injury ended her participation, leaving England to worry over her fitness before their opening Super Six contest against Australia on Friday.

Her last meaningful act was an important one, however, as she found away swing to have the dangerous Deandra Dottin - scorer of a 20-ball half-century in West Indies' win over Sri Lanka - caught behind by Sarah Taylor.

That left West Indies in the hopeless position of 31-6, Shrubsole having previously caused most of the damage.

Stefanie Taylor had scored 171 against Sri Lanka, but seam movement from Shrubsole saw her leg stump pinned back. The Somerset right-armer then accounted for Shemaine Campbelle and Juliana Nero in the same over and, when Aguilleira took a suicidal single to Lydia Greenway - who was winning her 100th cap - the Windies were in tatters.

But, after Dottin went, Kyshona Knight and Daley were watchful as England spinners Holly Colvin and Laura Marsh were given little assistance.

Knight found the boundary only once in her 86-ball 33, an innings that was finally ended when England turned to the medium pace of Arran Brindle, the beneficiary of Sarah Taylor's smart stumping.

The top three teams in each group qualify Each team plays three games against the qualifiers from the other group, while carrying through their results against the qualifiers from their original group There are no semi-finals - the first- and second-placed Super Six teams progress straight to the final on 17 February There are also play-offs for third/fourth, fifth/sixth and seventh/eighth With Brindle hitting the seam to account for Shaquanna Quintyne and Tremayne Smartt, she had figures of 3-0 from two overs while Shrubsole returned to trap Subrina Munroe lbw and leave Daley stranded on 30 not out.

Brindle, opening in place of the ill Edwards, and Danielle Wyatt negotiated an eight-over spell before lunch and, when the players returned, England's progress slowed almost to a standstill in an apparent bid to keep the Windies net run-rate higher than Sri Lanka's.

However, the ponderous nature of the chase did England few favours and, when Brindle was caught behind off Dottin, it sparked a mini-collapse that saw four wickets fall for 13 runs.

The aggressive Dottin trapped Sarah Taylor and Greenway lbw, with Wyatt falling in similar fashion to Munro in between.

No longer in the mood to hang around, Jenny Gunn and Heather Knight upped the tempo to finally send England into the Super Sixes.

England were joined in the Super Sixes by South Africa, who thrashed Pakistan by 126 runs  to send the Asian side into a play-off against India for seventh place.

Marizanne Kapp starred with bat and ball for South Africa, making 102 not out in their total of 207-5 before taking 3-18 as Pakistan were bowled out for 81.

In the match between the two teams that had already qualified from Group B, Australia overcame New Zealand by seven wickets.

Meg Lanning struck 112 off 104 balls and Jess Cameron 82 as the Aussies overhauled New Zealand's total of 227-6 after 38.2 overs.

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England defeat India in World Cup

By Stephan Shemilt BBC Sport in Mumbai Captain Charlotte Edwards struck a brilliant century as England kick-started their World Cup campaign with a 32-run win over hosts India.

Edwards' 109 took the defending champions to 272-8 in Mumbai and also saw her become the highest run-scorer in women's one-day internationals.

India were then reduced to 29-3 by the pace of Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole and, despite an unbeaten hundred from Harmanpreet Kaur, the hosts could only close on 240-9.

With West Indies thrashing Sri Lanka in Sunday's other Group A game,  England know victory over the Windies on Tuesday will guarantee them a place in the Super Six stage.

"Katherine Brunt's been the key today, I just don't think many bowlers [in the women's game] have that extra pace in their armoury. A few years ago, you wouldn't have thought of bowling that many bouncers - the game is changing."

And an India win over Sri Lanka in the final round of group matches could create the right set of circumstances for England to carry the maximum four points through to the next round - rendering the shock opening defeat by minnows Sri Lanka meaningless.

In that game on Friday, England were far below their best, but here, led by Edwards, they outplayed the hosts despite the significant disadvantage of losing the toss.

As tall pace bowler Jhulan Goswami took advantage of the chance to bowl in the dewy, humid conditions to have Danielle Wyatt caught at slip, Edwards was watchful to negate the India attack's biggest threat.

Sarah Taylor, back in the side after a hamstring injury, was driving fluently as soon as she came to the crease but, when Edwards eventually found some rhythm with cuts to the boundary, she outscored her partner.

The Kent batter overtook Belinda Clark's previous world record of 4,484 runs when she moved from 53 to 57 by slapping the leg-spin of Reema Malhotra through the covers.

And, despite seeing Taylor run out by Amita Sharma's direct hit from mid-on to end a stand of 100, Edwards moved towards a century with sweeps and drives on both sides of the wicket.

Now in the company of the strong leg-side hitting of Lydia Greenway, Edwards reached her seventh ODI century by late-cutting Goswami for four.

After Greenway was held at mid-on off Goswami and the promoted pinch-hitting of Brunt added impetus in the powerplay, Edwards' stylish knock was ended through no fault of her own as she was left short by Arran Brindle's call for a single on the off side.

1) Charlotte Edwards (England) 4,901 runs

2) Belinda Clark (Australia) 4,844

3) Karen Rolton (Australia) 4,814

4) Mithali Raj (India) 4,499

5) Claire Taylor (England) 4,101

Brindle was also involved in the run out of Heather Knight but, with the help of Laura Marsh's innovation, she scampered England to a total far in excess of India's previous highest successful chase of 230.

It seemed as though the hosts would need a telling contribution from in-form opening pair Poonam Raut and Thirush Kamini or captain Mithali Raj, but all three fell cheaply.

First Brunt found swing back into Kamini to trap the left-hander lbw, then she tempted Raj to upper-cut to Shrubsole at third man. When Raut was leg before playing across Shrubsole, India were up against it.

Kaur and Karuna Jain managed to rebuild with a fourth-wicket partnership of 106 but, as the hosts fell further behind the pace, Jain was caught at point off Brindle for 56 when looking to accelerate.

Though England saw Shrubsole limp off the pitch, their improvement from the defeat by Sri Lanka was demonstrated by Knight's catch to dismiss Goswami. On Friday, England dropped three costly chances but now Knight spectacularly leapt high and right at mid-off to hold the chance off Marsh.

Kaur remained, the wicketkeeper launching the only two sixes of the match as she completed a maiden ODI century.

However, by this point, the task was already beyond India and three wickets in three balls - two to Brunt and one to Wyatt - emphasised that England's World Cup defence was back on track.

In the other Group A game, Stafanie Taylor smashed 171 from 137 balls as the Windies posted 368-8 against Sri Lanka  before bowling out their opponents for 159.

In Group B, Australia edged to a three-wicket victory over South Africa  while New Zealand beat Pakistan  by seven wickets - meaning both victors progress to the Super Six stage, while Pakistan and South Africa meet on Tuesday to decide that group's final qualifier.

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England duo unsold at IPL auction

England pair Matt Prior and Ravi Bopara plus Ireland batsman Kevin O'Brien all failed to attract bids at the auction for this year's Indian Premier League.

It was the second year running that the trio failed to attract interest.

Former Hampshire batsman and rising Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell fetched the highest bid of $1m (£637,000) from Mumbai Indians.

Abhishek Nayar and RP Singh also invited unexpectedly high bids for the sixth edition of the IPL.

Maxwell's price was significantly lower than the top sale achieved last year when India's Ravindra Jadeja was sold to Chennai for $2m (£1.26m).

The Australian, who arrived at Hampshire as a relative unknown last year, celebrated his sale with a golden duck during Australia's one-day match against West Indies. However, he did manage four wickets as Australia defeated West Indies by 54 runs.

The next highest sale was Ajantha Mendis who was sold for $725,000 (£462,000) to Pune Warriors India.

India's all-rounder Nayar joins Pune Warriors for $675,000 (£430,000) while bowler RP Singh was sold to Royal Warriors for $400,000 (£255,000).

Australia captain Michael Clarke and their former skipper Ricky Ponting could secure only their base price of $400,000 (£255,000) each when picked up by Pune Warriors and Mumbai Indians respectively.

South Africa all-rounder Johan Botha, who went to Rajasthan last year for $950,000 (£605,000), was bought by Delhi Daredevils for $450,000 (£287,000).

England all-rounder Bopara played for Kings XI Punjab in the 2009 and 2010 IPL tournaments and has an average of 29.69 from 14 innings, but has not featured for the last two years.

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England suffer T20 warm-up defeat

England 170-5 (20 overs) lost to NZ XI 171-7 (20 overs) by three wickets

A late fightback by captain Stuart Broad proved in vain as England suffered a last-ball defeat by a New Zealand XI in their final warm-up game.

Jos Buttler hit a second successive half-century while Eoin Morgan also weighed in with 51 as the tourists reached 170-5 at the Cobham Oval.

The hosts were coasting to victory before three wickets fell for four runs, including Tom Latham for 64.

The final ball finish made it exciting for the big crowd, but it should not disguise a poor bowling performance from three of England's attack. 170 was a defendable total after Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler repeated their powerful hitting of the previous day. James Tredwell and Steven Finn had rare off days. Jade Dernbach threatened to rescue the match with a skilful final over, but his bowling earlier was reminiscent of his efforts in India that cost him his ODI place.

But Broad's 3-24 proved in vain, their opponents winning off the last ball.

Having won their opening warm-up game by 46 runs 24 hours earlier, Broad and his players have plenty to ponder ahead of Saturday's opening Twenty20 international with New Zealand in Auckland.

England opener Michael Lumb said Wednesday's defeat was an indication of how tough the three-match series would be.

"I think it will be tight," said the Nottinghamshire batsman. "A lot of people have written them off, but you can't take them lightly.

"It would be foolish to do that - they've just beaten South Africa in a one-day series over there. They're a proud nation, and they'll come really hard at us."

Buttler followed up his unbeaten 57 in the opening game with 51 off 31 deliveries, which included five fours and two sixes.

He put on 87 with Morgan, who also struck two sixes.

But it was not enough as New Zealand's openers Anton Devcich and Hamish Rutherford passed 50 in just 35 balls.

Rutherford's dismissal brought Latham to the crease and he wasted no time reaching 50 from 29 balls.

Steven Finn and James Tredwell struggled to make an impact for England, both going for 44 runs from their four overs.

But Lumb said the match provided the workout they needed and was particularly pleased with the return to form of captain Broad after injury.

"It was good, especially for the four bowlers, to be put under some pressure," said Lumb. "And if it comes down to it in the main games, we'll have had some experience a couple of times here.

"It's great to have Broady back. His body is moving well, and he's bowling nicely.

"He's obviously had a few little niggles, but he's back fit and raring to go. We're really chuffed with that."

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No distractions for England - Marsh

By Laura Marsh England all-rounder Venues: Mumbai and Cuttack, IndiaDates: 31 January to 17 FebruaryCoverage: Ball-by-ball commentary on all of England's games and the final on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra & online; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & mobiles

The World Cup only comes around every four years and, now it's arrived, we're all very excited.

We have been in India for about two weeks - preparing at a training camp in Pune before moving to our base in Mumbai. Before we came here everyone was training hard but scattered across the UK so it was fantastic to get back together as a team.

Danielle Hazell took 5-41 against New Zealand

The eight days in Pune involved lots of nets, middle practice and fielding drills. We had some brilliant net bowlers who were happy to bowl at us all day, giving us valuable practice on the slow, turning Indian wickets.

After that, two warm-up matches back in Mumbai gave us the first chance to play together as a team since the World Twenty20 in October.

The win against South Africa was followed by a narrow defeat by New Zealand - despite Danielle Hazell taking 5-41 - but that loss is not concerning because, as a team, you want to improve as a tournament progresses.

Captain Charlotte Edwards is in great form with the bat and showed that against South Africa with a solid 78, while we have also seen some decent contributions from Lydia Greenway and Heather Knight.

Admittedly, there was a little bit of rustiness, but that's to be expected as we've come out to play in our off-season, so there are areas to improve on. Ultimately, though, the World Cup begins for us against Sri Lanka on Friday and I am very confident we will put on a good show.

India and West Indies are also in our group, then, hopefully we will progress to the Super Six stage where Australia and New Zealand are likely to be among the teams that await.

All of these sides have the ability to win the World Cup, so I think much will depend on who deals best with the conditions and who is able to execute their plans in the pressure situations a tournament throws up.

1 February v Sri Lanka 3 February v India 5 February v West Indies

The first two matches will be played at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai with the third game at the Bandra Kurla Complex, also in Mumbai.

If England finish in the top three in their group they will advance to the Super Six stage.

Those conditions I speak of make India renowned for being a tough place to play cricket, but it's also a fantastic country to tour.

Of course, it's hectic, so different from back home. If you think the traffic in London is bad, it's nothing compared to Mumbai.

The bus journey to Pune we were told would take two hours but actually took five, with the crazy driving of the man behind the wheel drawing screams from the girls at various points during the journey.

I hid away at the back, so I could not see too much of what was going on, but I could feel the bus shaking as we climbed some pretty steep mountains. It was interesting to say the least, but we survived.

As well as traffic chaos, you get used to some pretty random sights, like cows wandering across the road. There is always something different happening here, so that keeps you on your toes.

It is, though, slightly harder to get around in India than some other countries we might tour, so it is important we have other ways to keep ourselves entertained.

All of the girls are different. Danielle Hazell has a games console with her, while I'm quite into the TV shows Homeland and Dexter, so Heather Knight and I have been having some nights in with a DVD.

None of this, though, is a distraction from what we came here to do, which is defend the World Cup that we won in 2009. The waiting is almost over.

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Momentum with England - Shrubsole

By Stephan Shemilt BBC Sport in Mumbai Venue: Brabourne Stadium, MumbaiDate: Friday, 8 FebruaryTime: 03:30 GMTCoverage: Ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra & online; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & mobile devices

Pace bowler Anya Shrubsole says momentum is with England after the defending champions qualified for the Super Six stage of the World Cup.

England bounced back from losing to Sri Lanka with wins over hosts India and West Indies to reach the next phase.

"There are always things you can improve on, but we'll head into the Super Six with some confidence," Shrubsole told BBC Sport.

"We're gaining momentum now after earning some good wins."

England secured their place in the next phase with a six-wicket win over West Indies and finished top of their group on net run-rate despite Sri Lanka's crushing victory that knocked hosts India out of the tournament in the group's final match.

Charlotte Edwards' side will take on World Twenty20 champions Australia in Mumbai on Friday in the first of their three matches in the Super Six stage.

They take two points through from the group stage courtesy of their victory over West Indies, the third team to qualify from their group.

The top three teams in each group qualify Each team plays three games against the qualifiers from the other group, while carrying through their results against the qualifiers from their original group There are no semi-finals - the first and second-placed Super Six teams progress straight to the final on 17 February There are also play-offs for third/fourth, fifth/sixth and seventh/eighth England took advantage of West Indies' decision to bat first in seam-friendly conditions on Friday and bowled the Caribbean side out for 101 at Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex.

"We were a little surprised," said Somerset seamer Shrubsole, who took career-best figures of 4-21.

"We were keen to bowl first if we won the toss because we've seen that the ball moves around in the matches that start early."

Shrubsole was pleased with her performance, particularly after India captain Mithali Raj said that England rely too heavily on new-ball partner Katherine Brunt .

"Mithali said a lot about Katherine being the only threat, but we have a lot of belief," added 21-year-old Shrubsole.

"It's not just me, it's the spinner as well. We know we've got a world-class bowling attack here and we backed that up again today."

West Indies captain Merissa Aguilleira said she regretted the decision to bat first on a green pitch covered in morning dew.

"If I was given the chance again we would have bowled first," said the wicketkeeper. "The conditions were suited to bowl so that was a decision that could have gone differently."

As well as Australia, England will face South Africa on Sunday and New Zealand on Wednesday. The final will be played on 17 February.

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VIDEO: England women ready for World Cup

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VIDEO: Meet the England women's cricket team

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