Photo Cred: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
A 14-player Ireland Women’s squad has been named for the eagerly-anticipated one-day international series against world champions, Australia – a series set to take place at Clontarf Cricket Club from 23-28 July 2023.
The squad features a return to senior action for Jane Maguire - after recovering from injury. Jane joins her younger sister Aimee, making this the first time the siblings have been named in the same senior squad.
Irish wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter was speaking following yesterday’s Evoke Super Series match:
“It’s a hugely exciting summer of international cricket – we’ve just returned from a tour to the Caribbean, and now have a home series against Australia and then the Netherlands away. We were disappointed not to get at least one win against the West Indies, but we had our moments. Moments, though, aren’t enough to beat the best sides, we’ll need to be switched on from ball one against Australia and put complete performances together – with bat, ball and in the field.
“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 tearing my quad in the last training session before we went into camp. I was absolutely gutted to be honest, so I'm glad to have another opportunity this year to take on the world champions. Back in February we managed to beat them in a T20 World Cup warm-up game – despite it being only a warm-up match, it did show that when we do get our plans right, we really can compete with top teams.
“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.
“As for my own game, I was disappointed with my batting return in the ODIs against West Indies but began to get some momentum during the T20Is. There are a number of areas that I’m working on with the coaches around technique and learning to read the situations of the games a little bit better. I’m just looking forward to getting the chance to test myself against the world’s best over the next 10 days.”
With limited capacity and high demand anticipated, fans should purchase your tickets as early as possible to not miss out (one match is already sold out). Tickets can be purchased from: https://bit.ly/441e5lo
Ireland Women’s 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.
Fixtures
- 23 July: Ireland Women v Australia Women – 1st ODI (Clontarf, start 10.45am; SOLD OUT)
- 25 July: Ireland Women v Australia Women – 2nd ODI (Clontarf, start 10.45am)
- 28 July: Ireland Women v Australia Women – 3rd ODI (Clontarf, start 10.45am)
