Photo Credit: Cricket Ireland
Cricket Ireland has today announced a 15-player Ireland Women’s squad for the upcoming international series against Scotland at Stormont – the series will involve four T20 Internationals played between 23-27 May 2021.
Laura Delany will lead the side after returning from injury, while five players in the squad will be bidding to make their international debuts. Cara Murray and Rachel Delaney also make their respective returns to the international squad after both playing their last internationals in June 2018.
Ireland and Scotland have met 14 times in women’s T20Is, with Ireland winning on 11 occasions, Scotland twice and one no result. However, the two sides met twice in 2019, with one win apiece.
The squad is:
Laura Delany (capt), Ava Canning, Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Jane Maguire, Lara Maritz, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Jenny Sparrow, Rebecca Stokell.
The series will be played as follows:
• 23 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 1st T20I (Stormont, starting 2pm)
• 24 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 2nd T20I (Stormont, starting 2pm)
• 25 May 2021: Reserve Day (1st & 2nd T20I’s, 2pm start)
• 26 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 3rd T20I (Stormont, starting 2pm)
• 27 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 4th T20I (Stormont, starting 11am)
The matches will be livestreamed and livescored via the Cricket Ireland match centre. No spectators are currently permitted at games in Northern Ireland under current government restrictions.
Carrie Archer, Chair of National Women’s Selectors, said:
“There is great anticipation to see how this young side will perform, given the exceptional performances in the Arachas Super Series over recent weeks. With an average age of less than 21, it is one of the youngest squads we have ever selected, but one full of talent and potential. With a big year ahead, it is vital that these players get as much competitive cricket as they can, and I have no doubt they will require little additional motivation to perform in this long-awaited return to the international arena.”
“With a number of players still overseas and unavailable, there is an opportunity now for several emerging players to make their mark ahead of the two world cup qualifier tournaments later in the year.”
“We have selected five players who may make their debuts. They are all here on merit, after impressing in the Super Series, and should take the confidence of knowing this into the series.”
Ed Joyce, Head Coach of Ireland Women, said:
“We’ll be going into the Scotland series off the back of a solid build-up in training and a competitive Super Series to date. It’s great to see players being rewarded for their performances in the Super Series – it goes to show all players that there is a defined pathway to international cricket and that performances are being recognised with higher honours. There is no doubt that international cricket is yet another step up for the players, but I know that all of those selected are desperate to get out there and show what they can do on the world stage.”
Cricket Scotland have announced their squad for the series here.
SPONSOR EXTENSION
Recently, Ireland Women’s team sponsor Hanley Energy demonstrated their ongoing support for Irish cricket and women’s sport by renewing their sponsorship for a further two years (story here).
Name of Author: Cricket Ireland
Cricket Ireland, officially known as The Irish Cricket Union Company Limited by Guarantee, is the governing body for cricket on the island of Ireland. It oversees the national men’s and women’s teams and organizes the Inter-Provincial Series, Super 3s, and All-Ireland club competitions. Ireland achieved Test status for women in 2000 and for men in 2017 when it became a Full Member of the ICC.
