Gaby Lewis has recovered from a quad strain sustained in the opening ODI against Sri Lanka earlier this month and will lead Ireland in their upcoming white-ball series against England at home. Regular captain Laura Delany remains sidelined, still recovering from a ligament injury in her ankle sustained during the second T20I against Sri Lanka.
Squad Updates: New Faces and Returning Players
Alice Tector, who made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka, has earned her first T20I call-up. She is the sister of Ireland men’s cricketer Harry Tector. Una Raymond-Hoey, who was injured in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, has returned to both the ODI and T20I squads. Raymond-Hoey had made a comeback to international cricket earlier this month after a five-year break.
National Selector’s Perspective on Leadership and Squad Composition
“We’re disappointed to learn Laura’s injury is more serious than we first thought, and we’ll miss her experience and leadership,” said national selector Ciara O’Brien. “However, Gaby has previously stepped in for Laura, and we are confident in her ability to lead the team for the England series, bringing her high standards to the role.”
The current squad is youthful, with an average age of under 22 years. O’Brien hopes for strong support from Irish cricket fans during the series.
Lewis’s Recent Form and Leadership Experience
Lewis, who scored her maiden T20I century in the second T20I against Sri Lanka, is Ireland’s top T20I run-scorer and the second most experienced player after Delany. She led Ireland to their first-ever ODI victory over Sri Lanka, securing their initial points in the Women’s Championship 2022-25.
Squad Composition for the England Series
The squads feature 12 players who are part of both the ODI and T20I teams. Alana Dalzell and Joanna Loughran are only in the ODI squad, while Ava Canning and Christina Coulter Reilly are included solely in the T20I squad. Ireland will play three ODIs in Belfast, which are part of the Women’s Championship, followed by three T20Is in Dublin.
Ireland ODI Squad vs England
Gaby Lewis (capt), Alana Dalzell, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector
Ireland T20I Squad vs England
Gaby Lewis (capt), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector
