Gaby Lewis. Source: x.com

Gaby Lewis to Lead Ireland Against England

Gaby Lewis, having recovered from a quad strain sustained in the first ODI against Sri Lanka earlier this month, is set to captain Ireland in their upcoming white-ball series against England at home. The regular captain, Laura Delany, is still recuperating from a ligament injury she suffered on her ankle during the second T20I against Sri Lanka.

Alice Tector, who made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka, has earned her first T20I call-up. Tector is the sister of Harry Tector, a prominent batter for the Ireland men's team. Additionally, Una Raymond-Hoey, who had returned to international cricket earlier this month after a five-year break but was injured in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, has been included in both white-ball squads.

National selector Ciara O'Brien expressed disappointment over Delany's injury being more severe than initially thought, acknowledging the loss of her experience and leadership. However, she expressed confidence in Gaby Lewis stepping in to lead the team for the England series, noting that Lewis has previously captained in Delany's absence and will uphold her high standards in the role.

O'Brien also highlighted the youth of the squad, with an average age of less than 22 years, and encouraged Irish cricket fans to come out and support the team.

Lewis, who scored a remarkable 119 off 75 balls in the second T20I against Sri Lanka, is Ireland's top run-scorer in T20Is and the second-most experienced player in the squad, behind Delany. She previously led Ireland to their first-ever ODI victory over Sri Lanka, during a series where Ireland earned their first points in the Women's Championship 2022-25.

Twelve of the 14 players are included in both white-ball squads. Alana Dalzell and Joanna Loughran are named only in the ODI squad, while Ava Canning and Christina Coulter Reilly are included solely in the T20I squad.

The series will see Ireland and England facing off in three ODIs in Belfast, which are part of the Women's Championship, before moving to Dublin for three T20Is.

Ireland Squad for ODIs vs England

- Gaby Lewis (captain)

- Alana Dalzell

- Sarah Forbes

- Amy Hunter

- Arlene Kelly

- Joanna Loughran

- Aimee Maguire

- Jane Maguire

- Leah Paul

- Orla Prendergast

- Una Raymond-Hoey

- Freya Sargent

- Rebecca Stokell

- Alice Tector

Ireland Squad for T20Is vs England