Maia Bouchier: from dad’s couch to Test crease

Maia Bouchier scores century on Test debut

Maia Bouchier made her Test debut for England against South Africa at Mangaung Oval, scoring a century in 3 hours and 42 minutes. She became the fourth player to score a century on debut for England and her 126 was the fastest hundred made for England until Nat Sciver-Brunt broke the record with a 96-ball century.

Bouchier's father, a cricket enthusiast and founder of Wisden Online, was present in the stands and expressed his pride for his daughter in the changeroom. Bouchier recalled watching Test cricket with her father for five days straight and feeling proud of her achievement.

Bouchier's mindset of standing still and reacting to the ball helped her adjust to the conditions and form a beneficial partnership of 174 with Sciver-Brunt. England declared at 395/9, but South Africa fought back and took the last seven wickets for 118 runs. The match is only the second red-ball game in Bouchier's 388 matches.

The match is now a keen contest, with South Africa at 17 without loss after facing six overs before stumps. Somewhere, a young cricket fan is watching the match with her father, eagerly waiting to find out what will happen next.