Laura Delany named as Ireland Women captain

Laura Delany named as Ireland Women captain

Ireland all-rounder Laura Delany has been picked to lead the Ireland Women team after Isobel Joyce stepped down from the post following the exit in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20.

The 23-year-old has so far played 21 One-Day Internationals and 33 Twenty20 Internationals for Ireland since making her international debut in July 2010 against New Zealand Women.

The news was announced by Cricket Ireland in a press release which also confirmed the appointment of all-rounder Kim Garth as the vice-captain of the national women’s team.

Terming the opportunity to lead the team as an “honour” and a “privilege”, Delany was confident that Ireland Women can achieve greater heights in the coming years.

“It’s a really proud moment for me and a really exciting time in my playing career,” said Delany.

“It’s such an honour and really shows the confidence and belief that Cricket Ireland, the selectors and coaching staff have in me both as a player and person.

“Certainly it is a big responsibility and the standards that have been set before me are extremely high.

“It will be a privilege to captain this side.

“As a squad only we know our potential and what we are capable of achieving.

“For a captain that is incredibly exciting and we can’t wait for what the summer has in store.”

Ireland Women’s team head coach Aaron Hamilton praised Delany for her “shrewd cricketing brain”
and backed the Lenister all-rounder to excel in her role with the team.

“Laura is an honest, hard-working young woman and I admire her competitiveness both on and off the field.

“She has a maturity beyond her years, with an old head on young shoulders.

“She is very astute, possessing a shrewd cricketing brain who reads the game well, and is cool-headed.

“These attributes will stand her in good stead for the challenges ahead.

“She is an inspirational leader who manages relationships well and is widely respected by her peers and team management.

“I look forward to working closely with Laura to build a successful Ireland team.”

Ireland Women are currently scheduled to play four ODIs and three T20Is against South Africa Women between 24th July and 7th August.

© Cricket World 2016(Source)