ENGLAND captain Heather Knight called for her side to be “braver with the bat” after they slumped to a second successive defeat in the Women’s Ashes.

A 21-run loss in the second one-day international in Melbourne means Australia enjoy a 4-0 lead in the multi-format series.

Sophie Ecclestone took four for 35 and Alice Capsey three for 22 as England bowled out Australia for 180 — the hosts having been 131 for two — but Kim Garth responded with three for 37 and leg-spinner Alana King took four for 25 as England were skittled for 159.