AMY JONES believes England will take “a lot of confidence” from their batting performance despite a heavy defeat in the first match of the Women’s Ashes.

The tourists racked up 169 for four after losing the toss in the first Twenty20, but Australia eased to that target in 17 overs to complete a nine-wicket win in Adelaide.

Danni Wyatt struck a powerful 70 from 54 balls, sharing an 82-run opening stand with Tammy Beaumont, who made 30, while Nat Sciver contributed 32.

Jones said: “I think the way that Danni and Tammy set it up was brilliant and then obviously Nat came in and had a great innings as well.

“I think exactly the first half was really good and we’ll definitely take a lot of confidence from that.

“I think the mood in the camp is good, it’s fine, there’s loads of learnings but it was a good game of cricket and a really good first half from us, so it was an enjoyable game.”

Despite taking an early wicket, England’s bowlers then struggled against Tahlia McGrath and Meg Lanning.

McGrath struck an unbeaten 91 from 49 deliveries and Lanning compiled a 44-ball 64 in an unbroken second-wicket stand of 144.

England often bowled too short, while there were also mistakes in the field, although Jones does not believe there is significant concern.

She added: “I don’t think there’s a problem, we didn’t nail it yesterday but we’ve seen all of those bowlers perform extremely well against really good opposition before so I think it’s just one of those things where they really put the pressure on us early.

“We missed a few opportunities in terms of the lbw, a few streaky edges at the start.

“I think we bowled well at them at the start and then after that we didn’t execute, but it’s not something we’re worried about. I think everyone as individuals will reflect on that.”