Fitzpatrick extends world bowling record

While rain washed out two matches of the Australian women team's three-game series against Ireland, it could not stop Cathryn Fitzpatrick from becoming the first bowler to take 150 one-day international wickets. Australia won their warm-up for the Ashes 1-0 with a 240-run victory in the second match at Dublin on Sunday, where Karen Rolton blasted 151, Lisa Sthalekar hit her first ODI century and Fitzpatrick pushed the bar even higher.

The fastest female bowler in the world, Fitzpatrick, 37, took two wickets against Ireland to give her a 45-wicket gap over her nearest rival, the Indian Neetu David. Rolton and Sthalekar also shared an Australian third-wicket record of 244 in the win. The third match yesterday was called off because of a wet pitch.

Australia, who have not lost a Women's Ashes series since 1963, will play two Tests, five ODIs and their first Twenty20 fixture against England this month. The first Test starts at Hove on August 9.