JANE ROSS scored her 36th goal in 83 Scotland appearances to salvage a draw against the World Cup-bound Australians at Falkirk Stadium.
Kim Little missed a first half penalty, but the Scots could have no complaints about the outcome against a powerful Australian side.
"It's always nice to get on the scoresheet," said Ross, who scored a hat-trick when the teams last met in the Cyprus Cup 13 months ago.
"It was good to see Lisa Evans back in the side. Her speed is always a threat and it was a great pass through for the goal. I took a touch and knew I had the opportunity to score."
Scotland captain Gemma Fay was culpable for the Australian goal, but made a string of vital blocks before and after, but went off after injuring her knee 12 minutes from time.
Little's penalty followed Scotland's best attacking move, instigated by the Seattle Reign midfielder and continued by Ross. Her cross was handled by Steph Catley but Brianna Davey made amends by saving Little's penalty to her left.
Three minutes later Australia took the lead. Fay couldn't hold on to a corner, sparking a goalmouth scramble which was settled by defender Laura Alleway opening the scoring.
Scotland started the second-half much more vigorously and were rewarded with the equaliser just before the hour. Lisa Evans provided the assist and Ross, who scored a hat-trick against the same opposition 13 months ago, placed the ball beyond Davey from inside the box.
The visitors recovered their composure and had three great opportunities to regain the lead. Jenny Beattie and Fay thwarted two of the attempts, but Aussie captain Emily van Egmond was unlucky to see her shot hit the bar.
Fay's save at the feet of Sam Kerr cost her any further participation in the game but two minutes from the end the Scots thought they had found a winner. Little found space in the box and smashed the ball past Davey, only for the crowd's celebrations to be halted by an offside decision.
There was a lovely touch from the Australians who sent Scottish-born Collette McCallum on as captain for her last five minutes of international football.
She has been forced to retire because of knee problems and will miss the World Cup.
Despite emigrating with her parents to Perth when she was five, she has retained her strong Scottish accent.
"To finish off like this has been amazing," McCallum said."This was my first, and last, game in Scotland.
"I was lucky to get on for the last five minutes - if I had played any longer I don't think I would have been able to walk after the game."
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