Australia took an unassailable 10-2 point lead in the Women's Ashes with two Twenty20s to be played. 

Having flown under the radar during the multi-from series so far, according to Lanning's standards, that all changed in 63 balls with the 27-year-old notching up 133 runs.

“It was on my list to tick off and win here at Chelmsford,” Lanning said.

"It's nice to know I've got that extra gear. I was hitting it to different areas as well. It's not just hitting to point where there are three or four fielders and that's what T20 does, it brings out aggression and wanting to hit the ball. I felt a bit in the zone, so I wanted to be sure I made the most of that.”

It is the highest ever individual score in a women’s T20 International. Lanning also held the previous record of 126 runs alongside the Netherlands Sterre Kallis, who had equalled the record earlier this year.

Lanning also equalled England's total innings.

"I've not seen too many better innings than Meg's in T20 cricket, full stop," Australian coach Matthew Mott told Sky Sports.

"We came here today with a job to do, the Test match wasn't the result we were after but this was a great advert for T20 cricket."

The skipper combined with opener Beth Mooney (54) for a 134-run second wicket partnership following Alyssa Healy's (4) early dismissal. 

Mooney's departure brought Ash Gardner to the crease with the all-rounder continuing the same attacking play with a quick-fire 27 off 14 balls to help Australia post 3-226; its highest-ever T20 total. 

With the ball, Australia defended their total with Ellyse Perry (2-11) removing the dangerous Danni Wyatt in the first over before Megan Schutt (3-25) then removed Amy Jones before another Perry wicket had England 3-12. 

Australia applied the pressure as the required run rate continued to climb, with only Natalie Sciver (28), Lauren Winfield (33) and Katherine Brunt (29*) making major inroads in the chase.