The first game of England’s three-match Test series in Australia ended in a 70-57 defeat by the world champions in Adelaide.
Australia remained in control throughout the game, only being outscored in the third quarter, 18-15.
The Roses, who were denied a first World Cup by Australia in last year’s final, remained competitive throughout despite fielding an inexperienced side that included debutant Lois Pearson, but never led at the end of any quarter.
England last defeated the 12-time world champions in the pool stage of last year’s World Cup in Cape Town.
Their last meeting came in January when the world number ones narrowly defeated the Roses at the Nations Cup.
“We had chances to come back, especially in that third quarter,” England captain Helen Housby told Sky Sports.
“We showed glimpses of some really good stuff, it is now just about solidifying our combinations and get used to playing at this level, as a lot of our girls haven’t played at this level.
“We showed some really good stuff and need to be more consistent.”
The second game will be played in Sydney on Sunday, with the final fixture taking place in Bendigo, Victoria, on Wednesday.
England will then travel to New Zealand for another three-match series, which starts on 29 September in Auckland.