Ireland name 14-strong squad for home series against Australia
The squad marks a recall for bowler Jane Maguire, who has completed her recovery from injury. Her sibling Aimee also features in the squad, marking the first time that two sisters have been named together in an Ireland senior squad.
Ireland will be led by Laura Delaney and will play three ODI fixtures against Australia between 23 and 28 July. All three matches of the series will be played in Clontarf, Dublin. The ODIs will be a part of the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25 fixtures.
On the upcoming assignment, Ireland's Amy Hunter said, "It’s a hugely exciting summer of international cricket – we’ve just returned from a tour to the Caribbean, and now have a home series against Australia and then the Netherlands away.
Enid Bakewell recalls her starring role with a triumphant England at the Women's Cricket World Cup 1973 and hails the growth in the game since those times.
"This series against the Aussies is our only action at home this summer, which I’m looking forward to. It will be a tough challenge, so it'd be great to get a really good crowd in. Up in Bready last year there was a great crowd, and it really made a difference when they got behind the team and supported us. It just creates such a great atmosphere for cricket to be played in."
An emerging Ireland are out to make an impact at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 and inspire the next generation of cricketers
Ireland Squad: Laura Delany (captain), Ava Canning, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Aimee Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron
Fixtures:
23 July: Ireland Women v Australia Women – 1st ODI, Clontarf
25 July: Ireland Women v Australia Women – 2nd ODI, Clontarf
28 July: Ireland Women v Australia Women – 3rd ODI, Clontarf