England vs West Indies: Amy Jones’ ‘relief’ and ‘pride’ as the first international century finally comes

The Ashes drubbing which started the year was one to forget for all of England’s players, but Jones suffered a particularly painful experience in the second ODI at Melbourne which really kickstarted England’s spiral.

Tasked with chasing 181 to level the series, Jones was left unbeaten on 47 having failed to marshal the tail and miscounting the balls left in an over.

Since that series, Edwards had made her intentions clear regarding England’s “smartness” in 50-over cricket so it is fitting that Jones has immediately answered the call.

Jones had made it past 90 three times in an England shirt before, making 94 against India in 2018, 91 v West Indies in 2019 and an unbeaten 92 against New Zealand in 2024 – and the nerves did seem to be kicking in when she was dropped on 92 and 93 in this knock.

Tougher opposition will certainly come – in fact, rather soon, with India’s arrival next month, but the smile on Jones’ face as she embraced fellow centurion Tammy Beaumont in celebration indicated the sheer weight lifted from her shoulders.

“There would have been a few people scratching their heads on why she would be opening the batting,” said former England seamer Katherine Sciver-Brunt on BBC Test Match Special.

“I never thought she lost that spot, so I am massively pleased. She didn’t say to whoever was in charge, ‘I want that spot back’, she just took that she would be four, five or six.

“The last two years she has done that well. I am over the moon for her that she has got the first hundred out of the way under some pressure.

“I am mega happy for her but the ones that will stand out are the ones that really matter against the best teams in the world.”