England lose Ashes opener as Thalia McGrath plays for Australia

Tahlia McGrath starred in Australia’s bat and ball as Meg Lanning’s team chased 170 points in the Women’s Ashes’ first 20 games, winning by nine wickets.

The 26-year-old played in just three T20 internationals before being selected as Australian talisman Alice Perry in Adelaide’s starting line-up and showed her prowess with an unbeaten 91.

McGrath claimed three quick wickets in the back end of England’s innings to contain their totals before heading into third with a strike rate of 185.71 and a strike rate of 185.71 to put the game beyond Heather Knight’s side , and ensure Australia gets first blood in the series.

She was backed by captain Lanning, who was promoted to opener in the absence of the injured Beth Mooney, despite Alyssa Healy’s early wicket for Australia setting up their record-setting successful chase and a win at the All Women’s T20 International. Fifth in the game – and three points over the free.

Lanning shot an unbeaten 64, Australia comfortably chasing England’s overall, and the outfielders made some poor stops and dives as Australia held a two-point lead in the multi-format series judge.

Sophie Ecclestone struck early, Healy selected Nat Sciver to leave Australia with just 7 in a short middle wicket and 26 at the end of the fourth quarter, while England were leading the running pace until halfway through which they failed to gain key wicket.

In the England innings, Danny Wyatt shot a strong 70 from 54, while the visitors reached a 169 four after being batted by Australia.

After a slightly tight start, Wyatt and Beaumont kept England unbeaten for the first 10 rounds, especially taking advantage of the spin introduced early on.

Alana King got her first international wicket on her Australian debut, Beaumont was caught and pitched, going into the final few innings McGrath (26 on 3) eliminated Wyatt and Sciver in quick succession.

The latter hit 32 of 23 points against Wyatt, who hit six fours and three sixes in her innings on 59 before being beaten by McGrath The Yorkers hit the ball.

The arrival of two new batsmen slowed the visiting team’s run as Amy Jones lost to McGrath by four points, while Knight and Sophia Dunkley each finished 10 runs without going out.

PA Media