India, Sept. 14 -- Although the Australia women's cricket team had not played competitive cricket since they met England in the Ashes ODI series seven months ago, it never looked like they were playing after a long break when they turned up against India in the first ODI at the Punjab Cricket Association's (PCA) New Chandigarh Stadium on Sunday.

They resumed from where they had left, completing a clinical eight-wicket win to take the lead in the three-match series.

In fact, India came into the series, seen as an ideal preparation for the Women's ODI World Cup being co-hosted by the country from September 30, with a spirited T20I and ODI series win over hosts England in July.

However, India never looked like a well-oiled unit. They stru...