Australia’s women cricketers were left frustrated after their opening one-day international against New Zealand was abandoned due to rain at the SCG on Wednesday.

Only 22.3 overs could be bowled in the first of three matches in the Rose Bowl series, with New Zealand 2-100 when play was called off.

The Southern Stars had gone into the match with momentum after claiming victory in all three Twenty20 internationals against the White Ferns at North Sydney Oval last week.

The tourists promoted Lucy Doolan to opener after her good form with the bat during the T20 matches and the decision paid dividends with the Kiwis putting on 52 before losing their first wicket.

Frances Mackay (25) was caught by Erin Osborne off Sarah Coyte’s (1-19) first delivery shortly after play had resumed following an early rain delay before Doolan was dismissed for 43 by Osborne (1-3) three balls before play was halted for good.

Amy Satterthwaite finished the match unbeaten on 23.

The series heads to Sydney’s west for games two and three in Blacktown on Friday and Sunday with further wet weather forecast for both days.