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Maia Bouchier can be world beater for England as Ashes preparations continue, says Heather Knight

Maia Bouchier scores her second ODI hundred to inspire England to their highest successful ODI chase in a six-wicket victory over Ireland; Watch the second ODI between England and Ireland, from Derby, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix from 12.30pm on Thursday

Wednesday 2 September 2026 20:42, UK

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Highlights from Leicester as England completed their highest ODI run chase of 282 to take a 1-0 lead over Ireland in the three-match series

Former England captain Heather Knight hailed the aggression of openers Maia Bouchier and Sophia Dunkley as the key to taking on Australia at next year's Ashes.

The duo combined for a defining opening stand of 143 to inspire England to their highest ever ODI chase in Tuesday's six-wicket win over Ireland.

Bouchier in particular starred as she fired 104 off 95 deliveries to notch her second ODI century as England reached 282 with 71 balls left.

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Watch how England batter Maia Bouchier reached her second ODI hundred with a cover-driven four

"I remember Maia getting her first 100 a few years ago and it was a bit of a monkey off her back, it was probably the most nervous I've ever seen anybody in the 90s and yesterday she seemed to breeze through it," Knight told Sky Sports.

"She's a crazy talented individual and when she works it out how to go about things against the real top teams under pressure she can be a world beater.

"She's a brilliant player to watch, very aesthetically pleasing, has all the shots and is having the opportunity to open the batting again, it's somewhere she enjoys batting so I'm really pleased for her to get those runs.

"To see Sophia play aggressively and take the game on I'm really pleased for her too. It was a match-defining opening partnership."

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Bouchier clubbed Jane Maguire for four successive boundaries as the run chase got off to a flier - before Freya Kemp did likewise off Arlene Kelly later in the game

Bouchier and Dunkley's key contributions came in the absence of England regulars Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones, while also coming in the wake of Knight and Tammy Beaumont's retirement as part of an experimental side.

"Seeing Maia Bouchier and Sophia Dunkley back at the top of the order and being able to get a record chase was a really good sign with what is a young and exciting group," Knight continued.

"Quite a fresh-faced team and a few players who have been around a while getting opportunities. Really great start to that series and I'm sure they'll be raring to go again."

The series comes a year out from England's home Ashes campaign against Australia, the sole Test of which begins on June 24 followed by three Twenty20 matches and three ODIs in July.

It represents the latest opportunity for coach Charlotte Edwards to cast her eye over new options in her lineup.

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Alice Capsey impressed in an unfamiliar wicketkeeping role, taking this one-handed catch to dismiss Alice Tector

"Getting what that team looks like in place is really important," said Knight. "You want to go into an Ashes series really clear on roles and what your best team is, so I think there's a bit of working out to do there with a few players coming in.

"I think they'll be really keen to improve the bowling yesterday in terms of the accuracy and wicket-taking ability.

"And just getting that lineup right is important in how they beat Australia.

"Maia and Sophia went out yesterday with the bat and took the game on, that's a way to go about beating Australia, you have to be aggressive against them."

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Sky Sports' Tash Farrant felt England were 'clinical' with the bat against Ireland, but not with the ball or in the field

Tuesday marked the first time England have played since Knight's retirement, the former captain admitting she remains happy with her decision to call time at the crease.

"It was probably good gratification that I've made the right decision," she said. "I thought I might have some emotion but actually it was nice to just tune in.

"I just enjoyed watching and seeing those young players getting an opportunity. I'm still content with the decision, I've had a bit of time to reflect, I haven't felt that way yet."

Watch the second ODI between England and Ireland, from Derby, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix from 12.30pm on Thursday (1pm first ball). Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free with NOW.

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