Women’s T20 World Cup: Ireland captain Gaby Lewis rested for tri-series before tournament

Ireland captain Gaby Lewis says she will be fit for the start of next month’s Women’s T20 World Cup as she continues her recovery from injury.

On Wednesday, Cricket Ireland confirmed that batter Lewis would be rested for the upcoming tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies in Clontarf to “give her additional time to recover” from the leg injury she sustained with Lancashire.

Former captain Laura Delany, who is also returning from injury, has been named in the tri-series squad which will be captained by Orla Prendergast.

“Dells [Delany] is coming back from an injury so it’s just about monitoring how we can get the best out of her in the upcoming series,” Lewis said in a news conference after Ireland’s World Cup squad was named.

“And I’m the same. I’m coming back from an injury that I sustained over with Lancashire so yeah, we’re just making sure we’re fit and ready for the World Cup.”

When asked if she will be available for selection for Ireland’s World Cup opener against Scotland at Old Trafford on 13 June, Lewis replied: “Yep.”

While fit-again spinner Aimee Maguire has been included in Ireland’s 15-player World Cup, bowler Jane Maguire – her sister – has been ruled out after injuring her knee in a recent Super Series match.

“It’s a real shame, just a pity timing wise, she’s obviously devastated but [I have] no doubt she’ll bounce back,” said Lewis.

“She’s one of our mainline seamers but we’ve got some good depth in the squad. We’ve Alana Dalzell and Georgina Dempsey back in the fold as well which is really exciting, so I’ve no doubt the other seamers will step up.”