England vs Ireland: Issy Wong rewarded for 'keeping things simple' as five-wicket haul helps side secure ODI series win

But the seamer was rewarded for simplicity on Thursday as a five-wicket haul - her first in international cricket - helped her side wrap up an one-day international series win over Ireland.

Prioritising the wobble-seam delivery that angled in to the right handers, Wong bowled opposition captain Gaby Lewis through the gate for her first strike of the day.

Her relentless targeting of the stumps also saw her clean up Leah Paul off an inside edge, while her three other victims, including top-scorer Amy Hunter, were caught.

Wong had struggled for accuracy during England's victory in the series opener at Leicester on Tuesday, conceding four wides in a row as she curled balls too far past off stump.

She was much improved in Derby, and her display enthused Sky Sports Cricket expert Tash Farrant.

"She hit the same area every single time and kept things simple," Farrant said of Wong after England's six-wicket victory followed the same result two days earlier.

"Wong was struggling so much with consistency two or so years ago but the reason she got a five-fer here was the consistency. She pretty much hit that bail-trimming length every delivery.

"Sometimes with Wong, I think she has all the skills and wants to show them all. Here, she just bowled those wobble balls angling in towards the stumps."

Could Wong form 'formidable' new-ball pairing with Bell?

With premier seamer Lauren Bell rested for this series, Wong has played her first ODIs since the tour of Ireland in 2024, taking her to six matches in the format in total.

She first featured in 50-over cricket for her country back in 2022 but has never been able to grab a regular place, with previous run-up issues contributing to that. Now, though, she has a big opportunity.

Farrant added: "England are looking for someone who can back-up Bell with the new ball and if Wong can be that consistent, they could be a formidable pair going forward."

Farrant's fellow Sky Sports pundit Ravi Bopara does not want Wong to completely jettison the out-swinger, saying having that delivery in her armoury can help her "progress her game to the next level", but her method worked a treat against Ireland.

Wong told reporters: "Even in the last three months, I feel like I've come on a lot. It feels like I've worked quite hard and I guess when you work hard good things happen.

[More responsibility] brings the best out of me. Me and Lauren Filer have got to pick the balls whereas Bell usually does that."

Wong had also spoken when collecting her player-of-the-match award about how chats with staff, including media manager Dean Wilson, had helped her "mindset".

Whoever told her to focus on the wobble seam played a blinder.

Watch the third ODI between England and Ireland, from Worcester, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix from 10am on Sunday (10.30am first ball). Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream contract-free with NOW .

England vs Ireland - ODI series results and schedule

All games live on Sky Sports; all times UK and Ireland

First ODI (Leicester) - England win by six wickets

Second ODI (Derby) - England win by six wickets

Sunday September 6: Third ODI (Worcester) - 10.30am