King’s contribution ensured that England’s challenge of avoiding a 16-0 drubbing is already looking unlikely.

She was offered valuable support by the rest of a formidable attack that has regularly left England bewildered over the past three weeks.

Seamer Kim Garth finished with 2-13 from 10 overs, Darcie Brown took two wickets with her pace and off-spinner Ash Gardner offered plenty of control with her 1-30.

England have got to think creatively if they are to take the remaining nine Australian wickets as quickly as possible, with all-rounder Tahlia McGrath’s place at number eight an ominous reminder of their strength in depth.

Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone is likely to play a key role considering the turn that King produced, as England may rue the omission of Charlie Dean’s off-spin in favour of the extra seamer in Ryana Macdonald-Gay.

But while Ecclestone is the world’s best bowler and could hold the key to hopes of an England fightback, the series as a whole belongs to King for now.

“I’d probably have Sophie Ecclestone as the best all-format spinner because of her ability to bowl at every stage of an innings,” Finn added.

“In a T20 game, she’s bowling the 18th or 20th over. But Alana King, at the moment, is the most dangerous for taking wickets.”