Orla Prendergast named Irish captain after Gaby Lewis withdraws

Ireland women’s all-rounder, Orla Prendergast, has been named the skipper of the national team for the ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka. Gaby Lewis, who scored a century in the second T20I against Sri Lanka just recently, was made the skipper for the ODI series after Laura Delany injured herself on the field. However, now she has to sit out due to a quad strain. 

“After the high of a first-ever ODI win against the Sri Lankans, Gaby’s injury – off the back of Laura’s [Delany] injury – is another blow for this young squad,” Ireland women’s head coach Ed Joyce said. 

“Apart from the on-field leadership they offer, Laura and Gaby have together amassed over 350 caps of experience, which is a lot to now be without.

The more positive view, though, is that the hard work we have done in the last two years has allowed us to develop a greater depth of talent – it will stretch our resources, but I believe in the talent this squad has.”

This will be Prendergast's first captaincy opportunity at the international level. She would be in great shape and mentality for the responsibility, as she scored a century and picked up a three-fer in Ireland’s historic victory against Sri Lanka in the first ODI. Coach Joyce also expressed her belief in Prendergast’s leadership abilities. 

“Orla is new to captaincy at this level, but has led at club level before – she has an analytical cricket mind and game intelligence, so I have confidence in her to bring her wide-ranging skillset to this new role,” Joyce said. 

Arlene Kelly has been named vice-captain, and Christina Coulter Reilly has joined the squad as cover. The second ODI will be played on August 18 in Stormont, Belfast. 

Ireland women’s ODI squad: Orla Prendergast (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Sarah Forbe, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector

With inputs from Cricket Ireland

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