![Maia Bouchier- The Next Big Thing from England [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/384143.webp "Maia Bouchier- The Next Big Thing from England [Image: Getty]")
In the competitive world of international cricket, every player dreams of that breakthrough moment when everything clicks into place, and they truly announce themselves on the world stage. For Maia Bouchier, that moment came during England’s T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year. Scoring a remarkable 223 runs, including a breathtaking 91, Bouchier not only showcased her talent but also cemented her place at the top of England’s batting order.
A Purple Patch in New Zealand
Reflecting on her stellar performance, Bouchier couldn’t hide her delight. “I was super happy to put on a good score and contribute to the team because that’s all I really want to do—make sure the team got to a good score,” she shared.
Opening the batting for England was a relatively new experience for Bouchier, but it was one she embraced fully. “Opening with Danny [Wyatt] in the [Southern] Vipers and then transitioning that experience into the England setup helped calm my nerves. In New Zealand, everything just came together nicely. In New Zealand, I felt a really good touch and I think it just came together quite nicely which was really good.”
![Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt have been supreme at the top for England [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/380773.webp "EXCLUSIVE: “I'd Hope That People Can Think Of Me And Think She Was The One Who Came Over And Made That Effort”- Maia Bouchier 1")
The Art of Batting: The Maia Bouchier Way
Bouchier’s 91 against New Zealand was a knock to remember, but it wasn’t the first time she had delivered a match-winning innings. Her 95 against Sri Lanka in an ODI remains another highlight of her career.
Comparing the two, Bouchier reflected, “I’d played in New Zealand previously for Auckland and it was after I’d finished school I went to New Zealand and I played. I didn’t actually go to play, I went to coach so I ended up playing for the state team and I think it was a special kind of time for me going into play for Auckland and then scoring a lot of runs there and just kind of reliving that and being back in New Zealand. I think I felt a bit at home which was really nice and having that behind me going into the game where I scored 91 it was pretty cool to be fair and a very nice feeling.”
Choosing between the two, Bouchier hesitated but eventually leaned towards the ODI innings. “That’s one reason why I really loved my T20 performance because I was just in a really comfortable state and calm state which I hadn’t really felt I think before. But in terms of 95, because in ODI cricket playing at that level and scoring that in a 50-over game, I think it actually reminded me that I can bat that long and I can stay in for that long if I just do the hard work at the start and obviously wearing a shirt, making my ODI debut then against Sri Lanka.”
“I’d probably say that the ODI game only because it showed that I had worked hard at my 50 over game as well because people see me as a T20 player and I think that stood out, that game stood out for me and for a lot of people and that’s why they have given me that opportunity now at the top of the order.”
![Maia Bouchier has been instrumental and aggressive as an opener [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/381098.webp "EXCLUSIVE: “I'd Hope That People Can Think Of Me And Think She Was The One Who Came Over And Made That Effort”- Maia Bouchier 2")
Mental Fortitude: The Key to Success
While Bouchier’s technical skills have always been strong, she credits much of her recent success to the mental side of her game. “I haven’t really changed much technically. I’ve mainly worked on the mental side of my game and I’ve done a lot of talking and communication with my coaches. Talking is something that is very easy for me so it kind of worked out quite well. I think just speaking through my doubts and my worries and the expectation from outside and distractions from outside that I think about a lot.”
This mental clarity has helped Bouchier shift her focus from outcomes to processes. “I think what was really important going into the New Zealand series especially was finding a way of kind of avoiding those distractions and talking about them just made you aware of it and so I think acknowledging those distractions and what was happening on the outside made it easier for me to concentrate going into when I batted.”
“So there was a lot of communication and I have Alex Goodman here and then I have Paul Pritchard at the [Southern] Vipers who I speak to a lot as well and they both really, really helped with that and just being clear on what my focus is and focusing on myself because that’s the big thing about it.”
The Larger Picture: Motivation and Preparation
In a sport filled with ups and downs, Bouchier finds motivation in both the short-term and long-term goals. “I’ve been working on has kind of swayed me from thinking about the outcome because a lot of the time I would think about the outcome a year and a half ago maybe. Actually, for most of my career, I think I needed to hit the 50s, I need to hit hundreds and forget about the process that happens in between that.”
Bouchier isn’t one to overthink matchups or statistics, preferring to focus on the immediate challenges in front of her. “More recently I’ve been thinking more about enjoying playing and enjoying as you say the craft of cricket and working hard, working harder getting through the tough parts so then I can enjoy it later on and have the rewards that I can have when you’ve got yourself in and batting for those long periods when you can just enjoy yourself that’s where I’m hopefully getting too soon. Trying to be patient with it.”
Staying Present in the Moment: A Balance of Focus and Future Aspirations
As a professional athlete, navigating the highs and lows of performance is a constant challenge. Yet, staying motivated requires a delicate balance between focusing on the immediate task and keeping an eye on the larger picture. Maia highlights the importance of taking each match as it comes while also preparing for bigger challenges like the World Cup and the Ashes.
“I think going game by game really keeps you in the moment. I think practising those situations and experiencing those situations will only prepare you for what’s going to come,” she shares.
![Maia Bouchier has stepped up with the bat and how! [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/384138.webp "EXCLUSIVE: “I'd Hope That People Can Think Of Me And Think She Was The One Who Came Over And Made That Effort”- Maia Bouchier 3")
The Role of Visualization and Data: A Tactical Approach
In today’s data-driven sports environment, the influx of statistics and AI-powered analysis can be overwhelming. However, for Maia, the key lies in understanding the basics rather than getting lost in the details.
“It’s good to know what the bowlers do, their change-ups, and when they might use them,” she explains.
“But in the end, it’s about reacting to what’s happening in front of you. I don’t worry much about the data on who might be picked. Instead, I focus on staying ready for the game, but also ensuring that I take time away to reset and avoid getting overwhelmed.”
Staying Grounded Amidst Competition
With the fierce competition in the England squad, staying grounded is essential. Bouchier finds balance by taking time away from cricket. “A lot of the time I’m motivated to get better every day and if that means it is physical or mental I’ll try and put myself in that position to do that so if it means that extra day in the gym or that motivation to feel like I’m in a good place.”
“If I’m talking to people outside of the environment that’s always good as well because it’s good to have that side and take time to speak to family and I think that always helps even if it might be a very small percentage but I think it’s a very good way of kind of bringing yourself out of the environment to then be ready to come back in again.”
Outside of cricket, Maia Bouchier is passionate about sustainability and learning about the environment. “Cricket takes up a lot of our time so we need something that’s outside of that I’ve been really into my sustainability and learning about the environment and I’ve been an ambassador for this app called Climate Games so if you do a physical activity it helps to plant trees and remove carbon. I’m just learning a lot about the world at the moment and you know trying to watch David Attenborough like ‘Our Planet’ and I really love those nature documentaries.”
She further added, “I really love watching them and just learning about sustainability and a lot of other things there are so many things that come with it like plastic and just even the weather that we have that we’re having right now is due to global warming. It’s all really interesting to me that’s something I’m maybe looking to go into but yeah I love music, I do like just watching films because sometimes we don’t like doing anything outside of cricket but yeah that’s something I’ve been into now.”
She’s also learned the importance of stepping away from the game to maintain mental health. “If you’re completely in a bubble of cricket and only cricket, it can get too much,” she says.
Taking time away to reset is crucial, especially in a team as competitive as hers. “It’s important to be ready for the game and the training, but outside of that, make sure you take time away from it and come back refreshed.”
The Road Ahead: Looking Forward to More Cricket
With a packed cricketing schedule, Bouchier is excited about the opportunities ahead. “100% it’s so much cricket coming up and it’s great that’s what we want, we want to have a lot of cricket coming up and we’d much rather that than there be kind of space in between but then, also taking in time to have away from cricket so getting that balance right I think is really important but I’m super excited because it’s just more cricket to play and more time in the middle and more opportunities to show and perform.”
![Maia Bouchier has the capacity to be an all format player for England [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/384141.webp "EXCLUSIVE: “I'd Hope That People Can Think Of Me And Think She Was The One Who Came Over And Made That Effort”- Maia Bouchier 4")
“If there are points where we feel like we’re under pressure is knowing how to get out of them and you know talking through that so I think obviously we want to, we’re aiming to get the trophy that’s what we aim to do so you know we’ll do as much preparation as we can to do that and play at the best we can when we get to that.”
The Australian Challenge
The dominance of Australia in women’s cricket is a well-known challenge, but Bouchier believes that the gap is closing. “The standard of cricket is going up massively and it’s so good to see a lot of the other teams really pushing forward and seeing this brand of cricket that we’re playing because this is where we want to inspire and entertain as Jon Lewis talks about and I think that’s inspiring other countries to really do the same so you know it’s just pushing competition.”
“We’ve shown in the Ashes last year how close we were,” she recalls.
“To beat Australia in a World Cup would be something special. Everyone is eyeing that game, and we’re all hoping to win the trophy because we want to win every game.”
Bouchier also acknowledges the growth of other teams like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. “I think with more money going into women’s games, it’s going to be such an important development. And the fact that the World Cup is in Bangladesh, that’s a big sign. Hopefully, we can all show that that is a country that we want to play in and we want to play cricket and I haven’t played cricket there. So I’m really excited. I don’t know about everyone else, but it’s just such a good opportunity to showcase the talent.”
The global rise in women’s cricket is another source of excitement for her. Mentioning teams like Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, and South Africa, she acknowledges the growing competitiveness.
“Chamari is putting on a show as always, and she’s raising the standard of her team,” she notes. “South Africa has a very good team at the moment. It’s exciting to see players proving that women’s cricket is where you want to be.”
The Thrill of Franchise Cricket: A Dream of Playing in the WPL
Franchise cricket is another area where our athlete sees immense potential for growth and personal development. Having played in various domestic leagues, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India remains a dream.
“It’s such an amazing opportunity to even think about playing in India in a WPL. Hopefully, that will come as an opportunity at one point. I am hoping, obviously. So fingers crossed,” she says.
“Franchise cricket is so important for your development as an international cricketer. Those experiences are what make you better at the highest level,” she added.
The Evolution of Domestic Cricket: A Step in the Right Direction
Domestically, the transformation of the English women’s cricket system is another area she’s optimistic about. The move towards counties taking ownership of teams is a positive step, in her view. “It just means more funding for the women’s side of the game and into the development side as well. It gives girls more direction into the pathway,” she explains.
The potential for more red-ball cricket at the domestic level is also something she sees as crucial for the future of the game. “Playing three-day cricket would be a big step for us, especially in domestic cricket.”
Dreaming of Test Cricket and Beyond
As a passionate advocate for the game, she also sees the potential for more red-ball cricket in the women’s game. With England being one of the few countries that play women’s Test cricket, she believes that expanding this format domestically is crucial.
“Playing three-day cricket domestically would be a big step for us,” she argues. “It would make it much easier to transition into Test cricket and prepare for the long format. It should be compulsory, really.”
While T20 cricket has brought her success, Bouchier still dreams of making her Test debut. “Test match cricket is the pinnacle for me. Growing up watching men’s Test cricket, it’s always been my dream to play in whites for England. It would be a really special moment. If I make my test debut, I think I probably won’t be able to stop myself from crying. I’ll be so happy, I think just the feeling of being in whites and playing in an England shirt in whites is just so traditional, such a special honour. That’s something I’m also crossing my fingers for.”
![Maia Bouchier makes a strong case for herself as an opener [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/383790.webp "EXCLUSIVE: “I'd Hope That People Can Think Of Me And Think She Was The One Who Came Over And Made That Effort”- Maia Bouchier 5")
Her Role Models
Role models have also played a significant part in shaping her game. “I mainly have men’s role models. I watched Alastair Cook a lot, Ricky Ponting, Ian Bell, Kumar Sangakkara, even Chris Gayle,” she shares.
These influences have contributed to her unique style. “But actually, over the years, you become more aware of how you bat and I think, you know, a little bit of cook, a little bit of Bell, a little bit of Gayle, and that all comes into it a little bit and all Rohit Sharma. My dad constantly says just bat like Rohit. I’m not very sure about that, but I will want that as well as I can and bat my own way and that will just come with time and experience,” she adds, with a smile.
The Influence of Jon Lewis and Heather Knight
Leadership within the team plays a significant role in shaping the mindset and approach of players. For cricketers, figures like Heather Knight and Jon Lewis have been instrumental in her development.
“Heather has always been such an amazing figure and friend,” she says. “I looked up to her when I was kid and I didn’t watch a lot of women’s cricket, but watching her play went to the game final in 2017 and just being part of the whole crowd and that moment, I think it was really special and just learning from her and being able to speak to her and learn about how to go about playing and batting for long periods of time or even just some of the mental, the mental things that she does.”
Learning from her and Jon has helped me keep things in perspective. “He always talks about inspiring and entertaining but doing it in a way that is your way, which is really important. And you don’t feel like you need to be like anyone else. You just learn how to play your way and you learn how to deal with situations from experiences. Jon always emphasizes inspiring and entertaining in your own way, which has been really helpful for my performance.”
Legacy and Impact: Beyond the Game
When asked about her legacy, our athlete reflects on the impact she hopes to leave behind. As for her legacy, she hasn’t given it much thought yet, but she knows the importance of making a positive impact.
“I think it’s the small things that last the longest,” she muses.
“If I haven’t had a good day and I don’t really want to sign autographs but still do it with a smile, it can change someone’s whole day. That’s something I think about quite a lot as much as we might not want to put that kind of brave face on it it’s so important to the fans because they’ve come up all the way to see us and travelled a long way to see us so you know in a way it’s with a little bit of a pinch of salt.”
In the end, her hope is to be remembered not just as a cricketer, but as someone who made an effort to connect with fans and inspire the next generation. “I’d hope that people can think of me as someone who came over, said hi, and made that effort and that’s the best thing,” she concludes. And in that, she finds the essence of her journey—one match, one moment, one connection at a time.
A Bright Future For Maia Bouchier
As Maia Bouchier continues to rise in the ranks of England cricket, her passion, dedication, and clear-headed approach to the game set her apart. Whether it’s her love for opening the batting, her focus on mental strength, or her dreams of Test cricket, Bouchier is a player with a bright future ahead. England cricket is in good hands with talents like hers leading the way.
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