England surge to quadrangular finals

England progressed to the final of the Natwest quadrangular t20 with a 22-run win over World Twenty20 holders Australia at Bristol.

It was England's second successive victory after easing past New Zealand on Thursday and means they made the final, irrespective of the result of their group game against India,

Victory in Bristol was crafted on another strong performance from captain Charlotte Edwards, who made a run-a-ball 43 at the top of the order, and contributions from Laura Marsh (28), Lydia Greenway (18) and 25 from Sarah Taylor to lift the total to 136.

Though hardly insurmountable, sharp fielding and accurate spin bowling meant Australia lost their way after being well placed.

At 89 for 4 with seven overs remaining the tourists look set to chase down the target but an excellent diving catch from substitute fielder Heather Knight removed key scalp Lisa Sthalekar for 14 and the collapse followed.

The next five wickets fell for 25 with Danielle Wyatt taking 3 for 10. Sarah Taylor was impressive behind the stumps with two sharp stumpings and was named Player of the Match.

Taylor was absent from England's disappointing Ashes tour in the winter for financial reasons but her return has lifted a side that are looking to reclaim their status as the best in the world.

"It was a great team performance today," she said. "Charlotte [Edwards] and Laura [Marsh] got us off to a great start again and we kept the momentum up.

"There was a real buzz in the field, the spinners really turned the screw and were backed up by the fielders. It's so good to play in front of a crowd, it really boosts you every ball when there is a cheer, we all enjoyed it today and I'm really enjoying being back in the squad."

Jodie Fields, Australia captain said: "It was a gettable target. We lost too many wickets. The pitch was really good today. Our bowlers bowled to the field and did very well. While batting we lost too many wickets in clusters and did not have enough partnerships today. We should hopefully get better tomorrow against New Zealand. We have played New Zealand recently, so we will continue to remain positive."