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A century from Maia Bouchier led England to a record women\u2019s one\u2011day international run chase against Ireland at Grace Road on Tuesday, as they passed their target of 282 with six wickets and 71 balls to spare.<\/p>\n
Bouchier missed out on selection for the T20 World Cup in June, but she remains a key part of England\u2019s ODI plans as they try to build a new team following the retirements of Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont.<\/p>\n Bouchier initially played second fiddle to Sophia Dunkley, who smashed 73 from 61 balls. But when Dunkley drove a return catch to the leg-spinner Cara Murray, it was left to Bouchier to bring up the three-figure score which was there for the taking against a helpless-looking Irish attack.<\/p>\n \u201cObviously gutting that I missed out on the World Cup,\u201d Bouchier said. \u201cBut it was a really good way to play some more cricket [for Hampshire] and take the positives instead of the negatives. There\u2019s a lot of opportunity next year which is really exciting. If I can just put my name out there and score those big runs, I hope that will take care of itself.\u201d<\/p>\n England are contesting the three ODIs against Ireland without several key players \u2013 the regular captain Nat Sciver\u2011Brunt remains injured, while Lauren Bell, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophie Ecclestone, Amy Jones and Linsey Smith are being rested. The series therefore provides an intriguing glimpse into the future, with the 21\u2011year\u2011old Jodi Grewcock batting at No 3 and the off\u2011spinning all\u2011rounder Mady Villiers making a white\u2011ball return after two years in the wilderness.<\/p>\n Grewcock failed to shine, bowled through the gate by the wily Murray for nine, 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.<\/p>\n