Meet England’s New-Look Squads: Ireland Series Edition

Rosa Simkin (@rosatalksball) – 27/08/24

With a World Cup in The UAE on the horizon for our regular England stars, an opportunity has opened for the next generation; with a combination of a handful of central contractees, upcoming talent, Regional royalty and previous International level players making up the numbers for a September series in Ireland which will see them play three crucial ODIs and two T20Is. But who are these Regional players who will step-up to represent their nation and how have they reached the eye of England head coach Jon Lewis? Come with me as I introduce you to all 18 of them, player by player from stats to facts, guiding through two squads packed with talent.

The Squads

The ODIs (Saturday 7th, Monday 9th & Wednesday 11th of September – Belfast)

Kate Cross (CAPTAIN – Thunder)
Hollie Armitage (Northern Diamonds)
Hannah Baker (Central Sparks)
Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze)
Georgia Davis (Central Sparks)
Lauren Filer (Western Storm)
Bess Heath (Northern Diamonds)
Freya Kemp (Southern Vipers)
Emma Lamb (Thunder)
Ryana MacDonald-Gay (South East Stars)
Paige Scholfield (South East Stars)
Bryony Smith (South East Stars)
Mady Villiers (Sunrisers)
Issy Wong (Central Sparks – on loan to Western Storm)

The T20Is (Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September – Dublin)

Kate Cross (CAPTAIN – Thunder)
Georgia Adams (Southern Vipers)
Hollie Armitage (Northern Diamonds)
Hannah Baker (Central Sparks)
Tammy Beaumont (The Blaze)
Mahika Gaur (Thunder)
Ryana MacDonald-Gay (South East Stars)
Charis Pavely (Central Sparks)
Paige Scholfield (South East Stars)
Seren Smale (Thunder)
Bryony Smith (South East Stars)
Mady Villiers (Sunrisers)
Issy Wong (Central Sparks – on loan to Western Storm)

The Players

Kate Cross (ODIs & T20Is – Captain)

Kate Cross becomes the third Lancashire women’s player to captain the England side as she will lead during the upcoming series, owing to Heather Knight’s world cup commitments. The 32-year-old is one of the better known players within this squad, being a constant face across formats for England since her debut in 2013. She currently sits in second place of the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings and today’s announcement of her captaincy comes the day after her career best List-A bowling figures, after she took 6/40 for her regional side Thunder in a substantial victory against the South East Stars.

Her 2024 performance with ball has been consistent across formats and teams with a steady flow of wickets and impressive economy, contributing across the tournaments and series she has been a part of. She can also be pivotal with bat in hand, as proven by her 19* (20) including four 4s against Australia last summer, with her and Heather Knight pairing up to keep the Ashes alive for England. From a captaincy point of view, her most recent experience comes from leading the Manchester Originals in 2021 & 2022, with 2021 seeing her top their wicket-taking rankings with 12 and making history as the first 6 hitter in the Hundred. The opportunity to lead the side also brings with it the opportunity to return to T20Is, with limited opportunities in the past few years despite being a member of the playing squad throughout 2022 & 2023, then dropping out of it for the 2024 season.

“I’m really excited! I wasn’t expecting it but obviously with that there was the caveat that I wasn’t selected for the world cup in.. now the UAE, but I guess when one door closes you get another opportunity and another opens. So to be able to say that I’m going to lead my country is never something that I thought would happen but I’m really excited by it and I’ve had a little but of experience through Lancashire doing some captaincy. So yeah, really looking forward to the opportunity” – Kate Cross speaking to LancsTV after being named England Women’s captain for upcoming Ireland series.

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
The Hundred – 8 Wkts: 126.98 Econ & 15.00 SR
England (ODIs) – 6 Wkts: 4.04 Econ & 37.83 SR
Regional T20 – 7 Wkts: 5.58 Econ & 18.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 12 Wkts: 4.54 Econ & 25.00 SR

Georgia Adams (T20Is)

Georgia Adams enters the England squad for her debut call-up at 30 years of age, but don’t let that fool you as she is no stranger to success at the highest level. The Southern Vipers captain has been at the head of an impressive Regional cricket era for the side since 2020, with victory in five of eight available trophies so far and an impressive double for the first time in their history last season. She has also peaked in the shortest form of the game, The Hundred with title winning campaigns in both 2021 with Oval Invincibles and 2023 with Southern Brave. The 2024 season has been a more challenging one for the leader, however, falling short in the semi-final of the Charlotte Edwards Cup (domestic T20 tournament) and leading Brave to a last place finish in The Hundred, following their trophy winning campaign in 2023.

However, don’t let that take away from her individual success and consistency this season! The 2023 PCA domestic MVP was crucial to her side in their semi-final making Charlotte Edwards Cup run earlier in the summer with 213 runs and 8 wickets, and in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy where Vipers currently sit first with three games to go she has 279 runs and 13 wickets to her name. Adams’ evolution into an all-rounder has come in the latter stages of her career, first getting serious about bowling when Vipers’ head coach Charlotte Edwards put her name down for one of the pre-season bowling lanes a few years ago, a decision which has certainly paid off with Adams the side’s top wicket-taker in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and second overall for the club, cementing herself as a genuine all-round cricketer.

2024 Summer Batting Stats
The Hundred – 75 Runs: 7 Innings – 12.50 Avg & 97.40 SR
Domestic T20 – 213 Runs: 10 Innings – 23.67 Avg & 115.76 SR
Domestic 50-Over – 297 Runs: 9 Innings – 33.00 Avg & 76.94 SR

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
The Hundred – 5 Wkts: 128.44 Econ & 23.00 SR
Domestic T20 – 8 Wkts: 7.24 Econ & 24.00 SR
Domestic 50-Over – 13 Wkts: 4.00 Econ & 36.00 SR

Hollie Armitage (ODIs & T20Is)

Hollie Armitage has been a figurehead of the Regional game since its revamp for the 2020 season, as the Northern Diamonds’ captain returns to the England squad with her first call-up coming in February of this year for England’s T20 stint of their tour to New Zealand, making her debut as a concussion substitute in the third of five games. She has not returned to the side since her unanticipated but long awaited debut, but will be hoping to use the series against Ireland to cement herself as a regular member of the playing squad, adding stability to the middle order.

Her 2024 season at the helm of the Northern Diamonds has relayed the success of recent years, with two scores upwards of a hundred both against Western Storm in April and July in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy underpinning her triumph, with Armitage currently sitting 2nd in the overall run scoring rankings, with Seren Smale beating her to first place by just one run. From a captaincy perspective she has led Northern Diamonds since their formation for the Regional structure in 2020 and this season has led her side to sixth in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and they currently sit at second in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, just two points separating them and leaders Vipers with three games to go. Northern Diamonds remain the only team to overcome Vipers in the 50-over tournament, beating them to the cup in 2022 following two failed attempts.

2024 Summer Batting Stats
The Hundred – 61 Runs: 7 Inns – 8.71 Avg & 91.04 SR
Regional T20 – 323 Runs: 10 Inns – 35.89 Avg & 115.77 SR
Regional 50-Over – 435 Runs: 11 Inns – 48.33 Avg & 89.69 SR

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
Regional T20 – 7 Wkts: 6.94 Econ & 14.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 4 Wkts: 5.08 Econ & 19.00 SR

Hannah Baker (ODIs & T20Is)

When we discuss the next generation of talent, Hannah Baker is certainly near the top, if not topping the list. The young and bubbly leg-spinner is a product of the Central Sparks academy, a constant member of their squad since the formation of the side in 2020 and she has in recent years become a core member of their bowling attack with 26 wickets including an impressive 50-over 5/45 vs South East Stars so far this season. Her inclusion in the 2023 U19 Women’s World Cup squad and the 10 wickets in 6 innings which followed in a final making campaign has certainly been a catalyst for her recent success, leading to a draft pickup in the 2023 Hundred with the Birmingham Phoenix, with 6 wickets for the side that season. Her retention to the side in 2024 was therefore no surprise, with the youngster playing all seven games available. Overcoming the spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn to a regular spot in England’s front-line spin attack is no easy feat, but the opportunity to demonstrate her skills to the selectors across the whole tour of Ireland will certainly be taken with both hands.

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
The Hundred – 4 Wkts: 128.18 Econ & 27.00 SR
Regional T20 – 12 Wkts: 6.65 Econ & 18.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 14 Wkts: 4.73 Econ & 35.00 SR

Tammy Beaumont (ODIs & T20Is)

Tammy Beaumont is another member of the squad who probably isn’t in need of an introduction, after she made headlines last summer for becoming the first English women to score a double century in test match cricket, in the Ashes test vs Australia. The opening batter has been a core part of the England batting attack since her introduction in 2009 with over 200 appearances and 6,198 runs to her name across formats. She also remains one of an exclusive club to hold an international century in all three formats of the game. In recent years, however, under evolving management she has been pushed out of the T20 form of the game with debates regarding the pace of her innings and therefore the opportunity to reappear in the T20 side this series could be crucial for her future in the format. Her 2024 season has been one of great successes, leading her Hundred side Welsh Fire to the Final of the tournament and going one further with her Region, The Blaze in the Charlotte Edwards (T20) cup, overcoming South East Stars at Derby earlier this year to add their names to the trophy at the last opportunity with the tournament’s restructure leading to the end of the competition in it’s current form.

2024 Summer Batting Stats
England (ODIs) – 148 Runs: 5 Inns – 37.00 Avg & 85.01 SR
The Hundred – 164 Runs: 8 Inns – 23.43 Avg & 117.14 SR
Regional T20 – 141 Runs: 9 Inns – 17.63 Avg & 98.60 SR
Regional 50-Over – 72 Runs: 3 Inns – 24.00 Avg & 78.26 SR

Georgia Davis (ODIs)

Georgia Davis has had quite the start to her week, with her best career List-A figures of 6/23 coming against Western Storm on Monday and the announcement of her debut England call-up coming this morning. The 25-year-old spinner has had a rather successful 2024 season, despite missing the opening as she recovered from an injury. Her 10 wickets in the Charlotte Edwards Cup helped lead her Region, the Central Sparks, to their second finals day where they fell short in the semi to now champions Blaze. In The Hundred after being picked up as a wildcard pick she proved crucial to Welsh Fire’s success and became one of the core members of their bowling attack with 10 wickets across the tournament, including 1/15 in their final against the London Spirit in which they fell agonizingly short. Her success so far this season comes as no surprise, however, with Davis a key member of the Regional line-up for a number of years despite only signing her first professional contract in 2023, the season which saw her top the wicket-taking tallies in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy with 27.

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
The Hundred – 10 Wkts: 128.57 Econ & 14.00 SR
Regional T20 – 10 Wkts: 7.13 Econ & 20.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 7 Wkts: 4.31 Econ & 27.00 SR

Lauren Filer (ODIs)

Lauren Filer’s inclusion in the squad for this series comes after news she has not made the final 15 strong squad for the World Cup in October. The 23-year-old has become a regular in the England line-up since her debut in the 2023 Ashes test match, however, she has been tipped more so as a longer form bowler than in the T20 format by England selectors. The location of the world cup in the UAE and the altering of England’s squad tactics is probably to blame for her missing out, with England opting for an additional front-line spinner due to expected conditions. She is often regarded as one of the quickest in the women’s game and has been a figurehead of Regional cricket in the years running up to her debut England call-up, consistently upwards of 70mph and often breaking the 75mph barrier and has had a positive 2024 campaign with 21 wickets across formats and tournaments. Coming into the series with a point to prove Filer will be looking to top the wicket tallies as she leads the pace attack, alongside captain Kate Cross, ahead of travelling to Abu Dhabi to be involved in England’s preparation camps.

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
England (T20Is) – 4 Wkts: 5.81 Econ & 16.50 SR
England (ODIs) – 2 Wkts: 4.43 Econ & 48.00 SR
The Hundred – 6 Wkts: 115.86 Econ & 24.16 SR
Regional T20 – 8 Wkts: 5.00 Econ & 13.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 1 Wkt: 5.34 Econ & 119.00 SR

Mahika Gaur (T20Is)

Mahika Gaur re-enters the fold for England as a member of the T20 squad after missing most of the 2024 season through a side strain and major exams. The left-arm quick has impressed in an England shirt since 2023 after making a move from the UAE following a three year spell for the side, making her debut aged 12. Her most ridiculous bowling figures stand at 5/2 from four overs in ICC U19 World Cup qualifying as the UAE bowled Nepal all out for just eight runs. Despite only being 18 years of age she holds a developmental contract from the ECB, awarded in December of last year whilst she was still completing school! Her appearences in 2024 albeit limited have been impressive, with eight wickets across formats for Thunder prior to her injury.

Her 2023 domestic stats give more of an indicator of her abilities, with 15 wickets across formats. In an England shirt she has so far taken four wickets across the two series she has been a part of, her best figures standing at 3/26 vs Sri Lanka last September, including the wicket of the nations’ captain Chamari Athapaththu as she bowled her for 10. She is yet to play since returning to injury, so her level of involvement in the side this tour is not yet known.

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
Regional T20 – 4 Wkts: 6.25 Econ & 12.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 4 Wkts: 4.13 Econ & 46.00 SR
*Gaur has missed most of the 2024 summer due to exams & a side strain.*

Bess Heath (ODIs)

Bess Heath is one of two members of the T20 World Cup playing squad to be playing a part in the ODI segment of the tour, with the wicket-keeper batter continuing to cement herself as back-up to first choice Amy Jones. Heath provides a solid pair of hands behind the stumps, yet for me her batting is what puts her ahead of the chasing pack with the 23-year-old known for her powerful striking of the ball and 360 degree play style. The middle order batter has had a solid 2024 season domestically, despite missing a number of games due to her involvement in England squads this summer, scoring 375 runs across formats for the Northern Diamonds, including an impressive strike rate of 129.82 in the T20 format. Her short stay in the squad for this series, before she joins up with her world cup teammates provides her the opportunity of some consistent game-time behind the stumps and opportunities with bat in hand.

2024 Summer Batting Stats
The Hundred – 48 Runs: 7 Inns – 8.00 Avg & 97.96 SR
Regional T20 – 148 Runs: 9 Inns – 18.50 Avg & 129.82 SR
Regional 50-Over – 227 Runs: 7 Inns – 37.83 Avg & 100.44 SR

Freya Kemp (ODIs)

Freya Kemp is the second member of the October World Cup squad to be playing a part in the first half of the Ireland series, following her return to the game this season. The 19-year-old pacer was the latest England victim of a stress fracture towards the end of 2022 and after steady recovery has made her return to the game this year. She has had a decent summer with bat for the Southern Vipers, with 283 runs across formats for the side but as a whole has struggled for consistency across formats with both bat and ball in hand, highlighted especially in the recent Hundred tournament scoring just 59 runs from 8 innings and taking just one wicket following limited opportunities with ball. As she looks to return to her best, the Ireland series gives her chance to return in an England shirt with ball in hand to build momentum going into the world cup.

2024 Summer Batting Stats
England (T20I) – 44 Runs: 3 Inns – 44.00 Avg & 157.14 SR
The Hundred – 59 Runs: 8 Inns – 7.38 Avg & 89.39 SR
Regional T20 – 155 Runs: 9 Inns – 22.14 Avg & 131.36 SR
Regional 50-Over – 128 Runs: 5 Inns – 64.00 Avg & 109.40 SR

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
England (T20I) – 4 Wkts: 9.00 Econ & 16.00 SR
The Hundred – 1 Wkt: 178.46 Econ & 65.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 1 Wkt: 2.40 Econ & 30.00 SR
*Kemp has spent the 2024 season recovering from a stress fracture of her back*

Emma Lamb (ODIs)

Emma Lamb is another returning member to the England squad following injury. The 26-year-old centrally contracted top order batter was sidelined through surgery on a lower back injury in January of this year and has used the season to slowly rebuild following a hefty rehabilitation period. Her performances with bat have been impressive for Thunder in 2024, scoring 565 runs for the side across formats including one century and two half-centuries, the century coming against Central Sparks in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Lamb is also known for her abilities with ball in hand, which have been expressed on both a domestic and international stage but is yet to bowl in 2024 following her return from injury, whether the Ireland ODIs come as an opportunity to return with ball in hand is yet to be known but they certainly are a welcomed opportunity for the batter as she looks to retain her place in the England squad following her spell on the sidelines.

2024 Summer Batting Stats
The Hundred – 53 Runs: 5 Inns – 10.60 Avg & 96.36 SR
Regional T20 – 228 Runs: 9 Inns – 32.57 Avg & 100.88 SR
Regional 50-Over – 337 Runs: 9 Inns – 42.13 Avg & 84.89 SR
*Lamb has spent the 2024 summer recovering from a lower back injury and has not yet returned to bowling at a professional level.*

Ryana MacDonald-Gay (ODIs & T20Is)

Ryana MacDonald-Gay is another of the 2023 U19 World Cup squad members to hold a place in the squad for the Ireland series, and has certainly used the platform she gained from the tournament in South Africa to climb her way up. The 20-year-old quick has been a core member of both the Oval Invincibles and South East Stars bowling line-ups this season, with 8 wickets in the Invincibles’ eliminator making campaign and a whopping 28 wickets across formats for Stars, including a massive 20 from just 8 innings in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, currently firmly cementing her place at the head of wicket-taking rankings. Her best figures stand at 5/31 vs Blaze earlier on in the season.

The youngster can also be handy with bat, scoring 106 runs across 7 innings in the 50-over competition for Stars, including a crucial 37 from 32 vs Sunrisers batting first, in a game which saw her side win by just 44 runs. She re-enters the England squad after her debut call-up earlier this summer, but she is yet to play a game for the side and will be looking to build on the trust set on her by Jon Lewis by making her debut across formats this September.

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
The Hundred – 8 Wkts: 125.00 Econ & 17.50 SR
Regional T20 – 8 Wkts: 7.27 Econ & 20.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 20 Wkts (8 Inns): 4.69 Econ & 17.00 SR

Charis Pavely (T20Is)

Charis Pavely is the third Central Sparks squad member to don these squad lists and is another top level product of the U19 T20 World Cup last year, taking on a key role with bat in hand with 93 runs across the tournament including an incredible 45 (26) early on. She went on to make her debuts in both The Hundred and for the Central Sparks that year, but this season is where the magic well and truly began, particularly with ball in hand. The 19-year-old took 7 wickets across eight innings in the Charlotte Edwards Cup and when offered the opportunity in the 50-over tournament has been consistently impressive with her figures of 2/15 vs Storm yesterday a stand out.

The Hundred is where she has really shined, after being consistently backed by captain and Aussie superstar Ellyse Perry in the big moments, including within the 25 ball power-play. She went on to take 9 wickets from the seven games she played, making her way to 16th in the overall bowling rankings. Her scalps included that of Nat Sciver-Brunt (x2), Ash Gardner, Tammy Beamont, Chloe Tryon and more, with her best figures standing at 3/21 against reigning champions Southern Brave. The England spin attack is a difficult one to break into. However, her ability with bat in hand combined with the uniqueness of being left-handed gives her a clear advantage, and as she enters the senior squad for the first time this series she’ll look to build on an already successful 2024.

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
The Hundred – 9 Wkts: 120.00 Econ & 15.00 SR
Regional T20 – 7 Wkts: 7.22 Econ & 15.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 4 Wkts: 4.91 Econ & 16.00 SR

Paige Scholfield (ODIs & T20Is)

Paige Scholfield is another known achiever in the regional game, with the 28-year-old top order bat having her 2024 form rewarded by a debut call-up into both formats for the upcoming tour. Her consistency for her Region, the South East Stars has not gone unnoticed with her 259 runs at an impressive 43.17 average and whopping 140.00 strike rate in the Charlotte Edwards Cup helping to guide her side to the Final, and her current 50-over stance of 203 runs has not only assisted her side as they edge towards a semi-final slot but has reemphasized her desire and ability to score quickly, with a 97.60 strike rate. Her story in The Hundred was no different and her tournament certainly started with a bang, with a massive 71 from 40 in the opening game for Invincibles vs Phoenix, as she opened the batting in place of Chamari Athapaththu. She remained pivotal throughout the campaign, ending the season in the top fifteen run scorers with 190 and with seven scores upwards of fifty across formats this year it is safe to say she has form to build on heading into a massive opportunity vs Ireland.

2024 Summer Batting Stats
The Hundred – 190 Runs: 8 Inns – 27.14 Avg & 137.68 SR
Regional T20 – 259 Runs: 9 Inns – 43.17 Avg & 140.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 203 Runs: 7 inns – 29.00 Avg & 97.60 SR

Seren Smale (T20Is)

Seren Smale is another to secure her first senior call-up and like many of her teammates for the T20 series was a member of the 2023 U19 World Cup Squad. The 19-year-old wicket-keeper batter has performed beyond expectations this year in a Thunder shirt, scoring an incredible 436 runs so far in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, the most of any batter across the tournament. In the Charlotte Edwards Cup she performed to a similar standard, with 207 runs scored across the 9 innings she played, cementing herself as a firm favourite towards the top of the order. Her five scores upwards of fifty across formats, as well as her top scorers of 88 (61) vs Sparks in T20 and 99 (144) against Vipers in 50-over cricket, express not only her ability to perform at the highest level but the consistent nature in which she achieves it. Her keeping abilities have historically been just as strong, however, the youngster struggles for game time behind the stumps, competing with her captain Ellie Threlkeld at Thunder and England’s Amy Jones at Phoenix this summer. With it looking likely she takes the gloves for the two T20s she has earned her debut senior call-up for, it will be interesting to see how she fairs with both gloves and bat following a remarkable 2024 to date.

2024 Summer Batting Stats
The Hundred – 30 Runs: 5 Inns – 7.50 Avg & 76.92 SR
Regional T20 – 207 Runs: 9 Inns – 34.50 Avg & 112.50 SR
Regional 50-Over – 436 Runs: 10 Inns – 43.60 Avg & 72.55 SR

Bryony Smith (ODIs & T20Is)

Bryony Smith makes her return to the England side following a short spell under previous head coach Lisa Keightley in 2022. The 26-year-old all-rounder is known for her abilities to hit big at the top of the order, earning her contracts in franchise cricket across the globe as well as her ability when needed to close down the batters in the middle order with her offbreak bowling. With her region the South East Stars, where she captains, Smith has scored a highly impressive 603 runs across formats including four totals upwards of the fifty mark. Her 393 runs in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy have been pivotal for both her side’s success in the tournament as they progress towards a top four and semi-final making finish as well as her inclusion in the full tour of Ireland next month. In this year’s Hundred tournament she struggled on her standards, scoring just 102 runs for Rockets at the top of the order across the eight innings she played, however, she struck at an impressive 115.91 rate to reemphasize her ability to strike at increased rates at the top.

2024 Summer Batting Stats
The Hundred – 102 Runs: 8 Inns – 12.75 Avg & 115.91 SR
Regional T20 – 210 Runs: 11 Inns – 21.00 Avg & 127.27 SR
Regional 50-Over – 393 Runs: 10 Inns – 39.30 Avg & 88.51 SR

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
Regional T20 – 4 Wkts: 8.00 Econ & 15.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 7 Wkts: 4.11 Econ & 35.00 SR

Mady Villiers (ODIs & T20Is)

Mady Villiers is another to make her return to the England squad following an extended absence, last making an appearence for the side under previous management in 2021. The 26-year-old is rewarded after a consistent and impressive summer with both bat and ball in hand as she continues to build her status as a proven all-rounder. For Sunrisers, where she plays her regular cricket, she has been crucial across formats, with 11 wickets in the T20 format and 15 in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, as she has helped guide her side to an expected top four finish following disappointing performances historically in the Regional era. In The Hundred she contributed six wickets to Invincibles’ Eliminator making campaign, and across formats has contributed over 250 runs with bat in hand. After a sustained absence from the set-up this opportunity is a crucial one for the taking where Villiers is concerned, with opportunities for spin bowlers to break into the squad becoming more and more competitive over time.

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
The Hundred – 6 Wkts: 112.87 Econ & 22.00 SR
Regional T20 – 11 Wkts: 7.16 Econ & 20.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 15 Wkts: 4.48 Econ & 33.00 SR

2024 Summer Batting Stats
The Hundred – 17 Runs: 6 Inns – 4.25 Avg & 80.95 SR
Regional T20 – 131 Runs: 10 Inns – 14.56 Avg & 116.96 SR
Regional 50-Over – 116 Runs, 9 Inns – 14.50 Avg & 103.57 SR

Issy Wong (ODIs & T20Is)

If you are a fan of the women’s game then Issy Wong quite frankly needs no introduction. The fresh and energetic talent first broke onto the scene internationally under Lisa Keightley in 2022, in an International summer which saw her take an impressive 14 wickets after her debut in the one off test vs South Africa and she was proclaimed to be the next big thing in the women’s game. Wong continued to make a strong impression during the 2023 Women’s Indian Premier League, where she took 15 wickets, including a hat-trick for Mumbai Indians in their title winning season. The story since then has been a difficult one for Wong, however, in 2023 she suffered with lengthened issues regarding her rhythm owing to issues with her run-up which were particularly prevalent during The Hundred tournament, and her one international appearance under Lewis against Sri Lanka that summer and this season, she was sent on loan to Western Storm by her long standing region the Central Sparks. For me, despite her difficulties, she is beginning to return to her best, building consistency on the regional stage with 12 wickets this season and through limited opportunities in The Hundred, with impressive and comfortable performances during the closing games of the tournament. For Wong, this opportunity could be exactly what is needed as she looks to rebuild her confidence and status as one of the quickest in the women’s game.

2024 Summer Bowling Stats
The Hundred – 1 Wkt (30 Balls): 116.66 Econ & 30.00 SR
Regional T20 – 4 Wkts – 6.89 Econ & 27.00 SR
Regional 50-Over – 8 Wkts – 5.49 Econ & 48.00 SR

The Fixtures

Ireland Women v England Women One Day International series fixtures

Saturday 7 September: Ireland v England first ODI, Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast
Monday 9 September: Ireland v England second ODI, Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast
Wednesday 11 September: Ireland v England third ODI, Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast

Ireland Women v England Women T20 International series fixtures
Saturday 14 September: Ireland v England Women 1^st IT20, Castle Avenue, Dublin
Sunday 15 September: Ireland v England Women 2^nd IT20, Castle Avenue, Dublin