ENGLISH cricket star Eoin Morgan has finally bowled over his South Australian maiden, Adelaide-born beauty Tara Ridgway.

Morgan popped the big question to his longtime love, the daughter of State Liberal MP David Ridgway, over the weekend at their home in London.

Mr Ridgway said Morgan, captain of England’s one-day and Twenty20 teams, asked him for permission last week before getting down on one knee.

“He was very traditional. He rang up the other day and asked me, which I always thought he would,” he said.

“He’s a very solid family person, he comes from a big family and they’re very close.

“Tara is absolutely excited, it’s a big step in everyone’s life to do this.”

media_camera Congrats ... Tara Ridgway and Eoin Morgan are engaged.

Ms Ridgway, 23, also shared the news on social media, posting a photo of her with Morgan, 30, along with the caption: “Happily Ever After!!”

While Mr Ridgway is in Adelaide, his wife Meredith is currently holidaying in the UK and was able to celebrate the good news with the couple.

“We had a family Skype session last night … just to say hello and congratulate them and to let the grandmother know, you know, to keep everyone in the loop,” said Mr Ridgway, Opposition Leader in the Legislative Council.

A former part-time model with Tanya Powell, Ms Ridgway and Morgan have been together for over six years, after meeting in Adelaide just before Christmas in 2010.

media_camera Eoin Morgan in action for the Big Bash, playing for the Sydney Thunder earlier this year. Picture: Getty

The dashing Irish-born batsman, who has played 162 one-day internationals for England, was in town for the second Ashes Test of the 2010/11 series.

“He’s obviously very good at what he does on the cricket field (and) you couldn’t wish for a better bloke,” Mr Ridgway said.

A graduate from Scotch College where she was a house captain and cox of a rowing four, Ms Ridgway moved to London to live with Morgan about two years ago. She currently works in public relations for high-end fashion brand Burberry.

“She has a pretty exciting life, London’s a great city, she’s got a great job, she’s pretty happy,” Mr Ridgway said.

He said the couple would likely be in Adelaide around Christmas time, with Morgan set to lead the England team in a one-day series against Australia early in the New Year.