TAHLIA McGRATH starred with bat and ball for Australia as Meg Lanning’s side chased down 170 to storm to a nine-wicket victory in the first Twenty20 of the Women’s Ashes.

The 26-year-old had only played three T20 internationals before being selected ahead of Australian talisman Ellyse Perry in the starting line-up in Adelaide and showed her prowess, hitting an unbeaten 91.

McGrath claimed three quick wickets towards the back end of the England innings to curb their total before coming in at number three and scoring at a strike rate of 185.71 to put the game beyond Heather Knight’s side and ensure Australia drew first blood in the series.