Key stars return in Ireland's squad for England tour

Ireland, who currently occupy the ninth slot in the current ICC Women’s Championship standings, have named a 14-player squad for their upcoming series against England next month.

Gaby Lewis will captain the side, while Amy Hunter, who smashed 193 runs during the West Indies series last month at a superb average of 64.33 will look to continue her purple patch.

Squad:
Gaby Lewis (c), Christina Coulter Reilly, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector

The squad also sees the return of Arlene Kelly and Alice Tector after injury, while Kia McCartney retains her place as a spin option. 

Aimee Maguire, Sarah Forbes and Ava Canning are unavailable due to injury.

Ireland National Women’s Selector Lauren Rowles highlighted the competition for places within the squad and the importance of the Women’s Championship in providing regular exposure against the higher ranked teams.

"There is real competition for places in the short-term and there is an exciting depth of talent coming through the pipeline which is promising for the medium-to-long term.

“To have genuine competition for places within a senior squad is important as it drives standards and raises the desire of players to achieve more with every opportunity they get.

“That’s why the ICC Women’s Championship is so important. It provides a regular programme of fixtures against the world’s best sides, which in turn benefits the development and competitiveness of our players.”

Ireland will be looking to bounce back after suffering three defeats in as many games in the ODI series against the West Indies last month.

Schedule v England:

1st ODI - 1 September, Uptonsteel County Ground, Leicester
2nd ODI - 3 September, The OurCoop County Ground, Derby
3rd ODI - 6 September, New Road, Worcester