Laura proves to be a smash hit at Edgbaston

LAURA Harris introduced herself to Edgbaston with an explosive 16-ball half-century as Warwickshire beat Durham by 42 runs in the women's Vitality Blast.

- By ECB REPORTERS NETWORK

The new Australian signing smashed 55 from 21 balls to support Davina Perrin’s classy 87 from 61 as the home side piled up 193 for six.

Durham replied with 151 all out in 19 overs, after their reply rapidly declined to 15 for three. Suzie Bates (65, 41) and Bess Heath (45, 38) assured respectability for their side but Georgia Davis took three for 27 to seal the Bears’ first win of the tournament following their opening-game tie with The Blaze at Trent Bridge on Friday.

“It always helps when you have got quality batters at the other end, and certainly when you have the likes of world-class Laura Harris," said Perrin. “Batting in pairs and building partnerships is so key and being able to read the game well and go through the gears at the right time is very important.