Ireland to take on England Academy

Ireland will face England Women’s Academy in three T20 matches from 16 to 18 July, Cricket Ireland announced on Monday (July 8). The team will use these matches as preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier in August after the cancellation of their series against Zimbabwe.



This announcement comes shortly after Ireland faced Leinster Under-16 boys in replacement fixtures earlier this month.



“Cricket Ireland has been working hard behind-the-scenes in recent days to pull together a replacement program of matches for the senior squad since the Zimbabwe series was cancelled,” said Ed Joyce, interim head coach of Ireland. “We had two hard-fought encounters with Leinster Under-16s Boys last Friday, and now look forward to these three new fixtures against what is a quality side.”



“The squad has been training well, but nothing beats time in the middle in a match situation. It’s incredibly important in the build-up to the Qualifier that we play in match conditions and use the opportunity to experiment with players, and player roles within the squad.”



Ireland have announced a strong squad for the series, with Laura Delany at the helm. The matches will be played at Millfield School in Somerset.



Fixtures:



16 July: Ireland Women v England Women’s Academy at Millfield School, Somerset

17 July: Ireland Women v England Women’s Academy at Millfield School, Somerset

18 July: Ireland Women v England Women’s Academy at Millfield School, Somerset



Ireland squad: Laura Delany (c), Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Hannah Little, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Lara Maritz, Naomi Matthews, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Una Raymond-Hoey, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron.