Laura Delany Leads Ireland in White-Ball Series Against Sri Lanka

Ireland has announced its squads for the home white-ball series against Sri Lanka. Laura Delany will captain the team, with Alice Tector and Christina Coulter-Reilly set for their debuts. Coach Ed Joyce expects a challenging series. Matches are from August 11 to August 20.

Ireland has revealed its squads for the upcoming home white-ball series against Sri Lanka, appointing Laura Delany as the captain. Alice Tector, the younger sister of famed Ireland men's batter Harry Tector, will make her maiden national team appearance. Alongside her, Christina Coulter-Reilly is also poised to debut, having been named in the 14-player squad for the two T20I matches starting on August 11.

Ireland coach Ed Joyce anticipates a tough encounter against Sri Lanka and encourages his players to step up to the challenge. 'Every international series for us is crucial because we aim to see progression. Results are always tricky, especially against higher-ranked teams,' he told ICC.

'Sri Lanka has significantly improved and boasts world-class talent like captain Chamari Athapaththu. Their young players are eager and performing well. It's going to be a tough series for us,' added Joyce. The first and second T20I matches are scheduled for August 11 and 13 in Pembroke.

The ODI series kicks off on August 16, with the subsequent matches on August 18 and 20 taking place at Stormont. The T20I squad includes Laura Delany (C), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter-Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, and Rebecca Stokell.

The ODI squad features Laura Delany (C), Ava Canning, Alana Dalzell, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Joanna Loughran, Aimee Maguire, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Una Raymond-Hoey, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell, and Alice Tector.