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Ireland has revealed their 14-player squad for the highly-anticipated three-game women's ODI series against reigning World Cup champions Australia. The action-packed series is scheduled to take place at Clontarf Cricket Club from July 23 to 28.
This will mark Ireland's next international assignment following their winless white-ball tour of the West Indies. With a thrilling summer of international cricket ahead, Ireland is gearing up for a challenging home series against Australia, followed by an away series against the Netherlands.
Ireland wicketkeeper-batter, Amy Hunter, expressed excitement about the upcoming fixtures, stating, "It's a hugely exciting summer of international cricket. We were disappointed not to secure a win against the West Indies, but we had our moments. To beat top sides like Australia, we'll need to be on top of our game from ball one and deliver complete performances with the bat, ball, and in the field."
The Ireland squad features the return of Jane Maguire after recovering from injury. Notably, Jane's inclusion in the squad coincides with her younger sister, Aimee, being named in the same senior Ireland women's squad for the first time.
Amy Hunter, looking forward to the clash against Australia from a personal perspective, remarked, "This series against the Aussies is our only action at home this summer, which I'm looking forward to. Unfortunately, I missed the Tri-Series against Australia and Pakistan last year due to an injury, but I'm glad to have another opportunity this year to take on the world champions."
Reflecting on Ireland's capability to compete with top teams, Amy highlighted their previous victory against Australia in a T20 World Cup warm-up game. She emphasized the importance of executing their plans effectively to challenge the world champions once again.
The ODI series between Australia and Ireland forms a part of the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25 fixtures. The championship features ten teams vying for qualification for the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, to be hosted by India.
As the much-anticipated clash approaches, Amy urged fans to rally behind the team, stating, "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."
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.