Cricket Ireland announces squads for the summer

The upcoming few months are very challenging for the currently ranked 10th side in the world, Ireland. They will be hosting major International series against New Zealand and Bangladesh. This is the fact that this would be the biggest summers for women’s cricket in Ireland.

Ireland cricket board has left no stone unturned for this summer which will help them to improve their preparations for the World cup Qualifiers. Ireland will be playing alone T20 International and 3 ODI Internationals against the mighty White Ferns led by Suzie Bates. The series will start on 06 June and roar its last voice on 13 June. Just after the New Zealand Series, Ireland will also host Bangladesh for 3 T20Is between 28 June - 01 July.

The job will not be an easy task for Ireland as they will face White Ferns (New Zealand Women’s team) featuring Leigh Kasperek who has been renowned as one of the best spin bowlers in women’s cricket. They also have all-rounder Sophie Devine and speedster Lea Tahuhu in their mix.



Aaron Hamilton, National Women’s Head Coach and Performance Pathway Manager is quite confident about the team performing well in the near future. “The upcoming New Zealand and Bangladesh games will really let us put a marker down. We had a good, albeit rain-affected, tour of Zimbabwe in February and there have certainly been some eye-catching performances in the Toyota Super 3’s competition to date.”



“The selectors have continued with their policy of bringing new talent through, but ensuring the more experienced players are still on hand to provide support and advice.” He further said, “The White Ferns are in ominous form and will be a force to be reckoned with – but, as a coach, that’s the level and standard you want your team playing against. To take on one of the world’s best teams is a test of skill and character and will push this team on to better things.”



The Ireland team looks good with the blend of youth and experienced players in the squad. The specialized player for One Dayer's and T20's are named differently in the squad.



Laura Delany, the captain of the Ireland Team, said, “It’s a big year for women’s cricket in Ireland, and one which the women’s senior squad are relishing. There is nothing better than taking on some of the world’s best teams in front of home supporters.”



She further added, “The White Ferns and the Bangladeshis provide contrasting challenges for us, but with the blend of youth and experience which have been selected across these squads, we should be in a good position ahead of the all-important Women’s World T20 Qualifier tournament in July.”



 



Squad for T20Is against New Zealand:



Laura Delany (C), Rachel Delaney, Kim Garth, Cecelia Joyce, Isobel Joyce, Shauna Kavanagh, Amy Kenealy, Gaby Lewis, Lara Maritz, Cara Murray, Clare Shillington, Mary Waldron



 



Squad for ODIs against New Zealand:



Laura Delany (C), Rachel Delaney, Kim Garth, Jennifer Gray, Cecelia Joyce, Isobel Joyce, Shauna Kavanagh, Amy Kenealy, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Lara Maritz, Cara Murray, Una Raymond-Hoey, Mary Waldron



 



Squad for Bangladesh Series:



Laura Delany (C), Kim Garth, Cecelia Joyce, Isobel Joyce, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Lara Maritz, Ciara Metcalfe, Cara Murray, Orla Prendergast, Eimear Richardson, Clare Shillington, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron