DUBLIN – Cricket Ireland on Wednesday announced that bowler Ava Canning has been handed a non-retainer contract and has joined the senior women’s performance squad.

The 17 year old made her international debut in the first T20I against Scotland, last month. She represents the Typhoons in the Arachas Super Series and Leinster Cricket Club at club level – a clubmate of Irish skipper Laura Delany.

Canning, in the recent international series took three wickets. She had the second-best economy rate of the series – 4.15 runs/over and claimed her wickets with an average of 18.00 with her dot ball percentage also being the second-best for either team at 66.67.

Ava Canning said: “I was delighted to be selected for the senior squad and to make my debut, especially in a home series. I’ve worked very hard on my game since my injury last year. Being given the chance to play for Ireland was so rewarding and the team couldn’t have been more supportive throughout the series. I was quite nervous going into that first game, but taking a wicket early in the game was the dream start for me. It really helped to calm my nerves and allow me to relax into the rest of the game.”

“It’s now very exciting to receive the offer of a place on the senior performance squad, as the training and support from the coaches will be great to experience. I think it’s a brilliant opportunity to help improve my game and allow me to spend more time training and playing with the other squad members.”

Carrie Archer, Chair of National Women’s Selectors, said: “Ava has been on our radar for a couple of years, but unfortunately had a full season out last year with injury. She has impressed greatly on her return to fitness in both the Arachas Super Series and during the four T20 Internationals against Scotland recently. Her accuracy and control, combined with the swing she can create with a new ball, has made life difficult for numerous batters, and we felt she was ready to take that step up within the system. We wish Ava well in what will be a big year for women’s cricket in Ireland.”

Senior Performance Squad – 2021

Part-time retainer contracts

Laura Delany

Shauna Kavanagh

Mary Waldron

Gaby Lewis

Celeste Raack

Orla Prendergast

Leah Paul

Non-retainer contracts

Eimear Richardson

Lara Maritz

Hannah Little

Louise Little

Rebecca Stokell

Una Raymond-Hoey

Sophie MacMahon

Cara Murray

Georgina Dempsey

Rachel Delaney

Jane Maguire

Amy Hunter

Ava Canning