Dunkley sets England goal after Player of the Series heroics

England batter Sophia Dunkley has revealed she wants to be the regular opener for her country in all three formats.

Dunkley has moved around England's top six for the majority of her international career, but thrived in the role of an opener during the recent ODI series against Ireland where she finished as the leading run-scorer and won the Player of the Series award for her 212 runs at an average of 70.66.

It included a superb innings of 119 at the top of the order in the series finale in Worcester on Sunday and Dunkley now wants to make that spot her own across all formats.

"I love batting for whatever team I am playing for and it is great to be at the top of the order again in ODI cricket," Dunkley said after the match.

"It is definitely my goal to be at the top of the order in all formats."

Dunkley put on 73 for the opening wicket alongside Maia Bouchier (39) and then enjoyed another fruitful partnership with Jodi Grewcock (35) as England amassed a good total of 291 at the County Ground after they were sent into bat first by Ireland captain Gaby Lewis.

Pacer Lauren Filer (3/27) and spinner Mady Villiers (3/33) collected three wickets apiece in reply as Ireland were bowled out for just 177 as England claimed the three-match series 3-0, leaving stand-in skipper Charlie Dean ecstatic with the result.

"It was a good day," Dean said after the match

"To bat first today and get a decent total on the board - we probably left a few runs out there to be honest.

"To then start how we did with the ball and stay really clinical was important."

Despite the series loss, Lewis said there were plenty of positives for Ireland to take from their efforts across the three matches.

"Definitely positives to take from this series," Lewis said.

"They (Ireland players) are constantly learning and every series against these top-quality players they will learn and learn.

"These series are so valuable.

"We are only going up so every series is so important to just keep learning."

Series schedule:

First ODI: England won by six wickets
Second ODI: England won by six wickets
Third ODI: England won by 114 runs