England women lose opening Ashes fixture

England women’s cricket team were comfortably beaten by a superior Australian team last night, in the opening T20 of the series.

Australia won the toss and opted to bowl at the Adelaide Oval. England, skippered by Heather Knight, would have been pleased to post a competitive total of 169. 

Danni Wyatt, batting at number two, knocked off some quick runs to register 70 runs from 54 before eventually being bowled by Tahlia McGrath.

It was McGrath who starred bat and ball for Australia as the side stomped to the target of 170 with three overs and nine wickets in hand.

Meg Lanning, captain of the Australian team, put together sturdy innings to remain at the crease throughout and finished with 64 runs to her name.

Talia McGrath had only previously played in three international T20 games before but produced a sterling knock of 91 unbeaten as Australia chased home the fifth largest women’s T20 target in history.

The 2021/22 Women’s Ashes consists of three T20 games, three ODIs and a single test. The series runs until February 8th with Heather Knight’s squad hoping to restore some national pride after England’s men were drubbed 4-0.