Imposing Aussies set the Ashes tone

Depending on who you ask, Australia was either aggressive and imposing or no more intense than usual in Sunday's thrilling opening Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes ODI in Brisbane.

Australia made it known prior to their Ashes defence they planned to up the ante in the aggression stakes, with Alyssa Healy going as far as vowing to "bring the bitch back" when standing behind the stumps.

"I think this Ashes series might see a little bit of a different side of the Australian team, which I think is really cool," Healy told The Unplayable Podcast a fortnight ago.

"Personally I vowed to 'bring the bitch back' and hopefully return to my chirpy self behind the stumps and be a pest for the opposition.

"We'll have to see how we go but it's definitely an area we've looked at.

"Don't be prepared for a nice Aussie team, that's for sure."

On match eve, captain Rachael Haynes reiterated that point: "We definitely want to take it to any opposition we play.

"We don't want to sit back and wait for things to happen, we want to show initiative when we are out there playing and I think you'll see that with our style throughout the series."

It is understood the Australians were happy with their intent on Sunday, but England captain Heather Knight was unaware of a significant increase in presence or hostility from the hosts.

"I didn't notice any difference from Australian teams I've played in the past," Knight said on Sunday evening.  

While Knight was oblivious of any extra spice out in the middle, Australia seam bowler Megan Schutt says the home side turned up the heat.

"I think we were really imposing on the field," Schutt said.

"We fielded brilliantly and that sets a tone for the rest of the bowling and the batting to come as well."

The thrilling match came down to the first ball of the final over, when Queenslander Jess Jonassen crashed a half-volley from Anya Shrubsole to the cover boundary to seal the two-wicket win.

The match was hard-fought but tempers rarely flared, and Shrubsole commended both sides on their behaviour at Allan Border Field.

"The game's always been played in the right spirit," Shrubsole said.

"It's played hard, which it absolutely should be, but it's played fair and I think that showed again (yesterday)."

Commonwealth Bank Women's Ashes

Australia lead England 2-0

Australia squad (ODI and Test): Rachael Haynes (C), Alex Blackwell (VC), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Lauren Cheatle, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Belinda Vakarewa (Test only), Elyse Villani, Amanda-Jade Wellington.

England squad: Heather Knight (c), Tammy Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Laura Marsh, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor, Nat Sciver, Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield, Danielle Wyatt.

Schedule

First ODI Australia won by two wickets

Brisbane Charity Partner: Lord Mayor's Charitable Trust

Second ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 26

Third ODI Coffs International Stadium, October 29

Coffs Junior Cricket Association Partners: Coffs Harbour District JCA, Nambucca Bellingen JCA, and Clarence River JCA

Day-Night Test North Sydney Oval, November 9-12

First T20 North Sydney Oval, November 17

North Sydney Charity Partner: McGrath Foundation

Second T20 Manuka Oval, November 19

Third T20 Manuka Oval, November 21

Canberra Charity Partner: Lord's Taverners ACT