Greenway hits 30 as England go two-up against Australia

Kent“s Lydia Greenway (pictured) excelled once again for England women as she guided them through to a two-nil t20 series lead over their Australian counterparts in Melbourne earlier today.

Greenway, in tandem with county team-mates Charlotte Edwards and Susie Rowe, made a run-a-ball 30 to see the Three Lions through to their modest victory target of 100. Following on from their four wicket win in the opener at Adelaide, where Greenway made an unbeaten 39, Edwards“s side are in pole position to claim an impressive series win.

Rain meant the clash was reduced to 16 overs per side and, batting first, the Aussies struggled to 99 for three. Shelley Nitschke (27), Leah Poulton (21) and Alex Blackwell (21 not-out) all threatened to post an imposing total but scored too slowly as England kept the run-rate down to a shade over six runs-per-over. Danielle Hazell“s 1-16 impressed for the tourists.

Opening the run-chase, Edwards gave the innings some impetus making a run-a-ball 16 before she fell to Lisa Sthalekar. However, despite her departure, Greenway continued her fine t20 form as she added 43 for the fifth wicket with Jenny Gunn (19) to lead England to victory with two balls to spare. Rowe, batting at five, made just four as she became Sthalekar“s third victim. It was all in vain though as England claimed a cushion in the series as the players head to Canberra for the final three games, starting on Sunday.

Picture:Getty Images