KIDDERMINSTER cricket fans witnessed a spot of record-breaking during the first international played at Chester Road in its 135-year history.

In an entertaining, one-day match between England women and world champions Australia, the tourists set a new bowling best.

Shelley Nitschke's superb figures of 7-24 in only 7.4 overs were a record for the Aussie women in one-day cricket.

The slow left arm spinner's excellent spell was just one of the highlights in the match which Australia won by 65 runs.

The unfamiliar sight of players in coloured outfits, black sight-screens and a white ball, was matched by the scores of young girls in the large crowd who backed the players with their vocal support.

It was not a high-scoring game by men's test cricket standards, but the standard was excellent with both teams boasting some fine players.

Australia batted first and scored 193-8. Top scorer was Lisa Keightley with 58, while Isa Guha took 3-24 for England.

The hosts could only score 128, but Claire Taylor (48) and Laura Newton (45) saved some red faces.

Kidderminster made up for the defeat at Stratford Upon Avon on Sunday when a thrilling two-run win reduced the one-day series deficit to 2-1.

There are two more matches left in the one-day series at Taunton, in Somerset, on Tuesday and Thursday.

Kidderminster Victoria spokesman Brian Gittins said: "It was a great occasion and the standard of cricket was excellent."