Knight shines in rain as England beat India

Knight took 3-28 to restrict the tourists to 193-8 from 47 overs before her half-century at the top of the order put England firmly on course to chase down their victory target of 195.

That total was lowered once more but after 30.1 overs the game was called off due to heavy rain and with the hosts on 153 -3 well ahead of their D/L total of 112, they ensured they bounced back from their defeat in the one-off Test at Wormsley in style.

England made an ideal start after winning the toss as Anya Shrubsole took two early wickets to reduce India to 13-2 but opener Smriti Mandhana kept things ticking over at the top of the order with a well-crafted 74 off 99 balls.

However, two run-outs in the space of 12 balls upset their rhythm before Knight picked up two late wickets although Shikha Pandey’s unbeaten 21 off 14 balls did lift India.

Knight and England captain Charlotte Edwards made an excellent start in reply, taking 19 off the first two overs in an opening stand of 110.

Edwards brought up a 56-ball half-century with her ninth four before being bowled by Ekta Bisht for 57, while Knight passed 50 too off 63 balls but fell to a good catch in the deep for 53 by Vellaswamy Vanitha as she tried to slog-sweep Pandey for six.

It mattered little, however, as England continued to stay well ahead of the required run-rate before play was eventually abandoned after a heavy downpour.

“The loss at Wormsley hit us hard,” said Knight after the game. “It was a tough game to lose and to bounce back today, in the way we did, was great.”

England will be looking to clinch the series victory when the two sides return to North Marine Road on Saturday, 10.30am start.

Admission is £10 for adults and only £1 for under-16s, with concessions and Yorkshire CCC members £5.

Knight, who was presented with the man of the match award after the game by Scarborough CC chairman Bill Mustoe, said: “It was nice to get out there and get a few wickets on a good deck.

“I felt in good nick with the bat and we got off to a good start.

“I am looking forward to playing here again on Saturday, as the second game is just as important as the first.”

Skipper Edwards said: “I am really pleased with our clinical performance today.”

India batting star Mandhana said: “It was pretty cold here today but it was a great experience for a young player like myself to be here and Iwill certainly learn a lot from this tour.”