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Ireland Women Announce 14-Player Squad for England ODI Series

Ireland Women have confirmed a 14-member squad for their upcoming three-match One-Day International series against England, featuring the return of several players alongside captain Gaby Lewis.

What Happened

Cricket Ireland selected a 14-player traveling group for the bilateral tour to England. All-rounders Georgina Dempsey and Alice Tector, along with off-spinner Lara McBride, have earned recalls to the national side after competing in the recent domestic Women’s Super 50 Series. Tector returns following a successful recovery from an injury that previously sidelined her. Arlene Kelly also rejoins the playing group after missing the July home series against the West Indies due to a fitness issue, despite having been selected in that initial squad.

These recalls follow injuries to Alana Dalzell, Sarah Forbes, and Aimee Maguire. All three players took part in the July series against the West Indies but have been ruled out of the England tour, creating vacancies for the returning quartet.

Key Highlights

  • Ireland Squad: Gaby Lewis (captain), Christina Coulter Reilly, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, and Alice Tector.
  • Recalls and Recoveries: Georgina Dempsey, Lara McBride, Alice Tector, and Arlene Kelly return to the national setup.
  • Injury Absences: Alana Dalzell, Sarah Forbes, and Aimee Maguire are unavailable due to injuries.
  • Opponents’ Setup: Spinner Charlie Dean will captain England in place of Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is recovering from a calf issue. England’s group includes uncapped ODI players Grace Potts, Kira Chathli, and Charis Pavely.
  • Tournament Context: The series forms part of the Women’s Championship, which serves as the qualification pathway for the 2029 ODI World Cup.

Why This Matters

This tour marks Ireland’s second series within the current Women’s Championship cycle. Because the championship determines direct qualification for the 2029 ODI World Cup, every fixture carries direct implications for Ireland’s standings. Combining seasoned performers with a settled captaincy under Lewis offers the squad continuity as they compete for critical Championship points away from home.

What to Watch Next

Ireland’s tour begins with a warm-up fixture against the ECB Development XI in Leicester on August 29. The official three-match ODI series will proceed according to the following schedule:

  • First ODI: September 1 at Leicester
  • Second ODI: September 3 at Derby
  • Third ODI: September 6 at Worcester

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is captaining Ireland in the ODI series against England?

Gaby Lewis continues in her role as captain of the 14-player Ireland Women squad.

Why are Alana Dalzell, Sarah Forbes, and Aimee Maguire missing the tour?

All three players have been ruled out of the squad because of injuries sustained after participating in the July series against the West Indies.

Who is captaining England for this series?

Spinner Charlie Dean will captain England, stepping in for Nat Sciver-Brunt while Sciver-Brunt recovers from a calf injury.

What is the qualification significance of this series?

The three ODIs are part of the Women’s Championship, which serves as the qualifying pathway for the 2029 ODI World Cup.

Source: CricTracker