Ireland women announce squad for India ODIs

The Ireland women have announced their squad for the three ODIs against Indian women. The series, which will begin on January 10, will see Gaby Lewis captained by Ireland, and premium allrounder Orla Prendergast will be her deputy. 

Star wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter will miss the upcoming tour to India after sustaining a foot injury, with the 20-year-old Joanna Loughran called up to Ireland Women’s squad as a replacement.

Loughran, 20, made her international debut in February 2024 and returns to the squad after missing out on the recent Bangladesh tour. However, Alice Tector was unavailable for selection due to injury.

This will be Ireland’s first-ever women’s bilateral series against India in India, and the three ODIs will be part of the ICC Women’s Championship. Ireland are currently on the bottom of the table with just three wins in 21 matches and are almost set to play the qualifiers for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup in India in 2025. Meanwhile, India are currently third on the table with 15 wins and five losses in 21 games. 

However, this series follows Ireland Women’s 3-0 T20I series win in Bangladesh against the host side, which invigorated the Irish ladies and reflected their growth as a side in the recent years. 

Ireland Women’s head coach Ed Joyce echoed the same sentiment and expressed confidence in the squad selected. 

“Over the coming years, we will be playing a lot in Asia, and our ability to adapt quickly is crucial. The recent T20I series win in Bangladesh has given the squad a real boost in confidence and demonstrates that the series win in Pakistan in late 2022 wasn’t just a one-off, but a shorter three-match tour like this one means we’ll have to be at our best from the first ball.

“Amy is a big loss – while just 19 years old, she has already amassed 74 caps under her belt – but we have worked hard at developing and preparing a wider pool of players to manage the step up to the international stage and are confident in our squad.”

The India women are yet to announce their squad for the series.

Ireland Squad: Gaby Lewis (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Arlene Kelly, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell

Fixtures

1st ODI – January 10, 11:00 AM IST

2nd ODI – January 12, 11:00 AM IST

3rd ODI – January 15, 11:00 AM IST

Venue - Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot