Maia Bouchier's century powered England to a record one-day international run chase against Ireland at Leicester on Tuesday, as they reached their target of 282 with six wickets and 71 balls to spare.
Bouchier missed out on selection for the T20 World Cup in June but remains a key part of England's ODI plans, as they look to build a new team following the retirements of Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont.
Dunkley sets the tone before Bouchier takes over
Bouchier initially played second fiddle to Sophia Dunkley, who smashed a ferocious 73 from 61 balls. But when Dunkley sent a return catch into the hands of leg-spinner Cara Murray, it was left to Bouchier to bring up the three-figure score that was there for the taking against a helpless-looking Irish attack.
England are contesting these three ODIs without several key players – Nat Sciver-Brunt remains injured, while Lauren Bell, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophie Ecclestone, Amy Jones and Linsey Smith are being rested. The series therefore provides a glimpse into the future, with 21-year-old Jodi Grewcock batting at No 3, and off-spinning all-rounder Mady Villiers also making a white-ball return after two years out.
Ireland's batting effort
Grewcock failed to shine on Tuesday, bowled through the gate by Murray when still in single figures, while Bouchier holed out to long-on for 104. But Alice Capsey and Freya Kemp continued the momentum with a flurry of boundaries, ensuring England romped home.
Earlier, there were half-centuries for three Ireland players – Amy Hunter, captain Gaby Lewis, and Rebecca Stokell – although Stokell's original celebrations proved premature when umpires ruled that a boundary over fine leg had come off her helmet and counted as leg-byes.
She was then given out lbw to stand-in captain Charlie Dean but had the decision overturned on review, allowing her to finally reach the milestone with just 10 balls remaining of the innings.
Bowling concerns and selection balance
The most bizarre occurrence came off the penultimate ball when Stokell missed her attempted ramp and the ball pinged off the base of the stumps but failed to dislodge the bails. Instead, it ricocheted far enough to cross the boundary rope, handing Ireland four byes to wrap up an innings of 281 for five, which looked a good effort – at least until Dunkley and Bouchier got going.
There remain concerns about England's lack of bowling depth. Without Bell and Ecclestone, England's attack – spearheaded by Issy Wong and Lauren Filer – lacked penetration, allowing Lewis and Hunter to stroll along to a 136-run partnership for the second wicket.
England also leaked 33 extras, including 20 wides – the second most conceded by England in an ODI in the professional era. Capsey, keeping wicket for the first time in a full international in place of the rested Jones, took a brilliant one-handed diving grab to see off Alice Tector. Head coach Charlotte Edwards will be required to balance the runs saved by fielding the best keeper against the runs gained by playing the more consistent batter.
