Jess Jonassen leads Australia recovery in women`s Ashes Test

London: Jess Jonassen marked her Test debut for the Australia women`s side with an unbeaten 95 as her side recovered to 268 for eight on the first day of their one-off Ashes Test against England at Canterbury on Tuesday.

England pace bowler Anya Shrubsole took four wickets either side of lunch, including the prize scalp of in-form Australia captain Meg Lanning (three) as the tourists, who had been 66 without loss, slumped to 87 for four.

They were 95 for five but Jonassen, a 22-year-old Queenslander, batted for just over four hours to bring her side back into the game.

Jonassen, happy just to be awarded the traditional baggy green cap that Australia reserves for its Test players, both male and female, said: "To get my baggy was really nice. I`m just happy to contribute and to be not out at the end of the day, never thought that would happen.

"I had a few good partnerships out there and it kept me on track."

As for her long innings, she added: "(It was) mentally draining more than anything. I`ll go on the physio table tonight and hopefully get a good night`s rest and I`ll be ready to go again tomorrow."

Meanwhile Shrubsole said the match was in the balance, adding fellow bowlers Katherine Brunt and Laura Marsh deserved more success.

"I think it`s turned out even-stevens at the end of the day," she said. "We were really happy to take eight wickets, but I`ll admit we found their ninth-wicket partnership a little frustrating.

"Credit must go to Jess, because she batted really well and I felt Katherine bowled brilliantly for us, particularly with the new ball, with very little reward. And Laura bowled well."

This is a multi-format Ashes, in contrast to the men`s version which saw England take an unbeatable 3-1 lead in a five-match series with victory by an innings and 78 runs in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge last weekend.

Australia`s women are currently four points to two in front after the one-day international leg of the series, but there are four points out of a remaining 10 on offer to the winners of the lone Test.