Funmi Fadoju of England and Donnell Wallam of Australia compete for the ball.Credit:Getty Images
Goal shooter Wallam was a perfect 15-from-15 at the main break and finished with 25-from-26 before being substituted for Sophie Garbin (14-of-18) in the third quarter.
Australia led 9-2 after five minutes and by nine goals at halftime before England closed with five goals at the final break.
The margin was just three with 10 minutes to play,England rallying again as the clock ticked down to ensure a nervy finish in front of 8566 fans.
Wallam’s performance came on the back of intense off-court scrutiny that followed the withdrawal of Hancock Prospecting’s $15 million sponsorship deal.
A Noongar woman from Western Australia,Wallam raised concerns about vile historical comments made by Hancock Prospecting chair Gina Rinehart’s late father Lang Hancock about the Indigenous population.
She was said to be uncomfortable wearing a uniform bearing the company logo.