Young Ireland squad named for Bangladesh tour
Ireland have named a young squad for the white-ball tour of Bangladesh, which begins later this month.
On her first tour as permanent captain, Gaby Lewis will lead a young Ireland squad whose average age is less than 23 years.
The series, which will be played between 27 November and 9 December, has three ODIs and three T20Is.
The ODIs are a part of the ICC Women's Championship, where Ireland made a few strides in recent months with a series win over Sri Lanka and a first ODI win over England since 2001.
Ireland's ace cricketer Gaby Lewis | 100% Cricket Superstars
“It's probably the toughest selection we've ever had – and I think that's a really positive thing," Ed Joyce, head coach of Ireland Women, said.
"One of the objectives when I took over the job was to try and build depth in the group. If you’re making selection difficult it’s a good sign of progress. The players are all hungry to get into the team, so there were some difficult phone calls there to make."
FIXTURES
- 27 November 2024: Bangladesh v Ireland (1st ODI; Mirpur; local time 10am)
- 30 November 2024: Bangladesh v Ireland (2nd ODI; Mirpur; local time10am)
- 2 December 2024: Bangladesh v Ireland (3rd ODI; Mirpur; local time 10am)
- 5 December 2024: Bangladesh v Ireland (1st T20I; Sylhet; local time 2pm)
- 7 December 2024: Bangladesh v Ireland (2nd T20I; Sylhet; local time 2pm)
- 9 December 2024: Bangladesh v Ireland (3rd T20I; Sylhet; local time 10am)
Watch Orla Prendergast at her best in the Women's T20 World Cup 2023
UPDATE: As Ireland departed for Bangladesh, a last-minute change occurred with Alana Dalzell being called up to the squad to replace the injured Jane Maguire. Dalzell, who has earned 13 caps since her debut for Ireland in 2022.
Her most recent appearance for the team was in September, when she played a pivotal role in a dramatic finish during the third ODI against England in Belfast. With the match on the line, Dalzell hit a boundary off the final ball, securing a thrilling victory for Ireland in a nail-biting encounter.
Ireland Women ODI Squad: Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Alice Tector.
Ireland Women T20I Squad: Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell.