Ireland women's skipper Laura Delany ruled out of Sri Lanka ODIs; Gaby Lewis named as interim captain

The Ireland women’s cricket team suffered a massive blow after their first-ever T20I win against the Sri Lanka women’s cricket team. Ireland women's team captain Laura Delany will miss the upcoming three-match ODI series due to an ankle injury, and Gaby Lewis has been appointed as the stand-in captain.

Gaby Lewis played a record-breaking knock in the second T20I against Sri Lanka. Lewis scored 119 runs off 75 balls, including 17 fours and two sixes. She set a new record for the highest individual score by an Ireland women's batter in T20s. Lewis helped Ireland secure a seven-run win and level the series 1-1.

Laura Delany Has Been Ruled Out Of The Three ODIs

Cricket Ireland confirmed that Laura Delany injured her ankle during the second T20I against Sri Lanka. The statement added that Delany has been ruled out of the ODI series after undergoing scans. Jane Maguire has been named Delany's replacement. Orla Prendergast will serve as interim vice-captain.

“Delany rolled her ankle in the field on Tuesday (August 13) sustaining suspected ligament damage. She underwent scans today and has been ruled out of the three ODIs,” a press release by Cricket Ireland read.

Cricket Ireland also revealed that Una Raymond-Hoey, who injured her muscle in the opening T20I against Sri Lanka, will miss the ODI series. Sarah Forbes will remain with the squad as cover for Raymond-Hoey.

The three-match ODI series will take place on August 16, 18, and 20 in Belfast. This series is part of the Women’s Championship 2022-25. Sri Lanka is fifth with 20 points, while Ireland is at the bottom of the table. Sri Lanka has won three out of four ODIs between the teams, and one match ended in no result.

Gaby Lewis Has Led Before In Laura Delany’s Absence - Ed Joyce

Ed Joyce, Head Coach of the Ireland Women’s team, said that Laura Delany’s injury is a significant setback for the team. Joyce highlighted Gaby Lewis for her leadership experience, adding that she has led the team in the past.

“It’s a blow whenever you lose a member of your squad to injury, but to lose the captain – our most experienced player – has required a fundamental rethink of our tactics. Gaby has led before in Laura’s absence. She is an excellent leader so I’m very comfortable with her stepping in to lead for the ODI series,” Ed Joyce said.

“Jane Maguire comes into the ODI squad after performing well with the ball during the T20Is. She was unlucky not to make the original squad, but that is possibly a good sign for Ireland as it demonstrates the depth of talent that we are developing here and that competition for places is pushing up our standards,” Joyce added.

Ireland ODI squad: Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Alana Dalzell, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast (vice-captain), Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell, and Alice Tector.

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