Dean hails ‘clinical’ England after ODI clean sweep against Ireland

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CAPTAIN Charlie Dean praised clinical England after they wrapped up a series clean sweep against Ireland at the weekend.

Sophia Dunkley scored a century as England made 291 in the third one-day international at Worcester, and Ireland could only limp to 177 all out in response.

England lost their final six wickets for only 31 runs but they quickly established control with the ball and dismissed Ireland with more than five overs remaining.

Dean told Sky Sports: “It was a really good day… Dunks was phenomenal — we probably left a few runs out there.

“We were trying to make sure we created our own energy in the field to combat potentially a bit of momentum with Ireland so to start how we did with the ball and remain really clinical was brilliant. It��s really exciting times and looking forward to the future.”

After an early scare when she was given out leg before wicket before it was overturned on review, Dunkley went on to make her highest ODI score of 119 at a run a ball.

She enjoyed substantial partnerships with fellow opener Maia Bouchier and Jodi Grewcock, and Dunkley said: “It was just great to get the third win.

“Definitely a little bit tricky at the start, a little bit slow and I thought they bowled really well with the new ball. The longer you batted, the easier it got.”

It has been an excellent summer for Dunkley, and she added: “I just love batting and playing for every team that I play for.

“Nice to be back at the top of the order in ODI cricket. I really want to have a big impact on this team and obviously a big summer next year with the Ashes.”

While Ireland were beaten in all three matches, captain Gaby Lewis was not downhearted, saying: “Throughout this series we’ve shown real positives with the bat and with the ball, just in different games.

“To keep them under 300 was massive, especially our young spin attack. Definitely a lot of lessons learned and hopefully a good builder to a strong winter.”

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