Laura Delany 'delighted to be back' at training

The squad returned to training for the first time since lockdown began in the country in March. Since then the players have kept their skills up with online training sessions, as well as benefitting from virtual masterclasses from Australia captain Meg Lanning and England vice-captain Anya Shrubsole, as Delany explained.

"[Head Coach Ed Joyce] and our management team kept the squad pretty busy over the last couple of months through online training sessions," she said in a press release from Cricket Ireland. "We were also fortunate to have a few masterclass sessions with some top players which proved to be very insightful and gave us a rare opportunity to ask these players their thought processes during certain situations we will find ourselves in."

Delany also spoke about how she was adjusting to the new protocalls which have been implemented to keep all those involved with the training safe, some easier to remember than others.

"It will take a little time to adjust to the protocols that have been put in place, but we have been educated on the detail of the protocols and the importance of adhering to them to protect everyone’s health and safety. While I had to consciously stop myself from falling back into old habits, it has been OK. Some of the new measures in place are quite obvious, such as keeping a two-metre distance, however, not picking up the balls after batting and washing your hands before you enter and leave different zones take some reminding. Thankfully the COVID Safety Officers are there to provide that gentle reminder!"

The Irish skipper also explained how good preparation for the training session had helped make everything run smoothly despite the changes from a normal training enviroment.

"I have only had one session so far, but given the current circumstances I thought the training session ran smoothly. Ed provided the squad with a schedule ahead of training, so we knew when we were batting, and when you were required to crossover for fielding and running. The training sessions for the next couple of weeks will be one-to-one sessions, which should actually be very beneficial given the fact that we’ve had long period away from the game."

Head Coach Joyce was also excited to be back to training, although he was feeling the effects after several months without throwing.

"It’s great to be back outdoors and training here at the High Performance Centre with the squad," he said. "Obviously with the restrictions and social distancing it means I can’t get the whole squad together at once, but we have a good training programme underway and the players have been delighted to get back to some activity. I have to admit though that the throwing arm is feeling it after a three month break, but we’re enjoying the time in the nets and look forward to a hopeful resumption of competitive matches in the coming months."