Gaby Lewis to lead Ireland at T20 World Cup

As she recovers from a recent leg injury, Gaby Lewis has been rested for Ireland's upcoming T20I tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies at home in Clontarf. However, she has been named captain for the first time at a global event for the T20 World Cup in England in June and July. Orla Prendergast, the vice-captain for the World Cup, will lead the side in the tri-series in Lewis' absence. No vice-captain has been named for the tri-series. In terms of ins and outs, Jane Maguire, a right-arm medium pacer, has been ruled out of contention due to an injury. On the other hand, her sister Aimee Maguire, a left-arm orthodox spinner, has returned from an injury and is on both squads. There are no changes to the World Cup squad from the tri-series, which has 14 players. The only exception is Lewis, who is not playing. At the T20 World Cup, Ireland have been grouped with tournament hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka and past winners West Indies. Ireland will begin their World Cup campaign against Scotland on the second day of competition in Manchester. They are ranked ninth in the format, ahead of only Scotland (11th) among the teams in their group. Ireland were most recently in action at the T20 World Cup qualifiers, played in Nepal in January-February this year, and finished second to Bangladesh. Lewis' fitness will be important for Ireland at the World Cup because she is their top batter and currently ranks joint-14th on the ICC T20I rankings. She was also the top run-getter at the qualifiers with 276 runs in seven innings, scoring her runs at a strike rate of 119.48. Amy Hunter comes in at No. 26, followed by Prendergast, who comes in at No. 29. Prendergast is also the seventh-ranked allrounder in women's T20Is. Ireland squad for women's T20 World Cup Gaby Lewis (c), Orla Prendergast (vc), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell