Meg Lanning notched a century against England A, but it was time in the middle she treasured most in Australia’s only tune-up on English soil before the Women’s Ashes series begins.

Opener Lanning hit 14 fours and a six in her innings of 104 as Australia posted 7-250 before rain halted play on the first day of the two-day match against England A.

While their male counterparts had plenty of time to find form in England, the Southern Stars have just one two-day game to get match-ready before their Ashes start with the one-off four-day Test at Wormsley Cricket Ground, Buckinghamshire from Sunday.

“It was quite good, (but) spending time out in the middle was the most important thing,” 21-year-old Lanning said of her knock.

“Having had not much match practice in the last few months – that was something I wanted to get out of this match and I’m really pleased I was able to do that.”

Jess Cameron (40) and Alex Blackwell (32) also scored useful runs as the World Cup champions gained some valuable practice at Radlett in Hertfordshire.

“I think most of the batters had a good hit and were able to get used to the conditions,” Lanning said.

“Come Sunday when the Test starts, we’ll all be ready to go.”

The Women’s Ashes series also includes three one-day internationals and three Twenty20 matches.