DUBLIN – Cricket Ireland on Wednesday announced a 15 player Ireland Women’s squad for the upcoming T20 International series against Scotland at Stormont. The series will feature four T20I matches between 23-27 May 2021.
The Ireland side will be led by Laura Delany who is returning after an injury. The squad features five such players who will be bidding to make their international debuts. Cara Murray and Rachel Delaney will also make their respective comebacks to the international squad after featuring in their last international match in June 2018.
Ireland and Scotland have met fourteen times in women’s T20Is, with Ireland winning in 11 outings, Scotland winning twice and one with no result. However, the two teams met twice in 2019, clinching a one victory each.
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 games will be livestreamed and livescored through the Cricket Ireland match centre. Spectators won't be currently permitted at games in Northern Ireland due 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.”
