DUBLIN, Ireland — Ireland Women have named a 14-member squad for their upcoming three-match ODI series against England, with Arlene Kelly and Alice Tector returning after recovering from injuries. Gaby Lewis will captain the side for the series, which forms part of the ICC Women’s Championship.
- Arlene Kelly and Alice Tector return after recovering from injuries.
- Gaby Lewis will lead Ireland’s 14-member squad against England.
- Aimee Maguire, Sarah Forbes and Ava Canning are unavailable because of injuries.
- Ireland will play an ECB Development XI in a warm-up before the three-match ODI series.
Ireland Women squad features key returns
The return of Kelly and Tector strengthens Ireland’s options ahead of a demanding assignment in England. Both players have recovered from injuries and are back in the squad for the upcoming tour.
Kia McCartney has also retained her place in the group. Meanwhile, Aimee Maguire, Sarah Forbes and Ava Canning will miss the series because of injuries.
Ireland Women prepare for England ODI series
Ireland will begin their tour with a warm-up match against an ECB Development XI in Leicester on August 29. The fixture will give the squad an opportunity to prepare before the competitive series begins.
The first ODI against England is scheduled for September 1 in Leicester. The second match will take place in Derby on September 3, with the final ODI scheduled for Worcester on September 6.
All three matches are part of the ICC Women’s Championship, giving the fixtures added importance within Ireland’s international programme.
Lauren Rowles stresses competition for places
Ireland National Women’s Selector Lauren Rowles said the selection process had highlighted strong competition within the senior setup as well as encouraging depth among players coming through the system.
“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.”
Rowles said competition for selection can raise standards and encourage players to make greater use of every opportunity. She also explained that form was only one factor considered, with the selectors assessing how individual skill sets fit the roles required by the team’s tactics.
According to Rowles, international experience is important in helping players understand what is required to perform at this level. The England series therefore provides another opportunity for Ireland’s players to develop through matches against high-quality opposition.
ICC Women’s Championship offers regular top-level exposure
Rowles highlighted the importance of the ICC Women’s Championship because it gives Ireland a regular programme against some of the strongest teams in international cricket.
She pointed to last month’s series against the West Indies as an example of how such matches can benefit the squad. Although Ireland did not achieve the desired results, the experience of competing against a leading side increased the players’ desire to reach that standard.
The England series will provide another test of Ireland’s competitiveness while giving the squad an opportunity to build on that experience.
Ireland Women squad for England ODIs
| No. | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gaby Lewis | Captain |
| 2 | Christina Coulter Reilly | Squad |
| 3 | Georgina Dempsey | Squad |
| 4 | Amy Hunter | Squad |
| 5 | Arlene Kelly | Returns after injury |
| 6 | Louise Little | Squad |
| 7 | Jane Maguire | Squad |
| 8 | Lara McBride | Squad |
| 9 | Kia McCartney | Squad |
| 10 | Cara Murray | Squad |
| 11 | Leah Paul | Squad |
| 12 | Orla Prendergast | Squad |
| 13 | Rebecca Stokell | Squad |
| 14 | Alice Tector | Returns after injury |
Ireland Women vs England: Full ODI schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up: Ireland Women vs ECB Development XI | August 29 | Leicester |
| 1st ODI | September 1 | Leicester |
| 2nd ODI | September 3 | Derby |
| 3rd ODI | September 6 | Worcester |
What happens next for Ireland Women?
Ireland will first face the ECB Development XI on August 29 before beginning their Championship campaign against England on September 1. The series will then move to Derby and Worcester for the remaining two ODIs.
With two players returning from injury and competition for places within the squad, Ireland head into the England tour with another opportunity to gain valuable experience against high-level opposition.
Who will captain Ireland Women against England?
Gaby Lewis will captain Ireland’s 14-member squad during the three-match ODI series against England.
Which Ireland players are returning from injury?
Arlene Kelly and Alice Tector have returned to the squad after recovering from injuries. Aimee Maguire, Sarah Forbes and Ava Canning remain unavailable because of injuries.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Content Creator of The Nation Bulletin, an independent digital news platform focused on delivering timely, reliable and meaningful news from India and around the world.
