Australia names squad for ODIs against Ireland; Kim Garth to face former teammates

Former Irish cricketer Kim Garth will face her old countrymen during Australia’s upcoming tour of Ireland, which is scheduled to commence on July 23. The Cricket Australia selection committee announced a 14-man squad that will travel to Dublin for the ODI series.

Before relocating to Australia in 2020, Kim Garth played 114 matches for the Irish national team, where she began her career. In July, the all-rounder will compete against her erstwhile teammates in an upcoming series. The director of performance (Women’s Cricket) and national selector, Shawn Flegler, lavished praise on the former Irish all-rounder, describing it as a “unique experience.”

“Following an Ashes campaign, facing an ascendant Ireland team in their home conditions will be a formidable challenge for our squad.  She has worked incredibly hard to achieve her spot on this tour, and there is no doubt that it will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her,” Flegler was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Kim Garth cricketing voyage up to this point has been remarkable.

Heather Graham replaces Megan Schuster in the setup position.

Shawn Flegler verified that Megan Schutt will return to Australia after the current Women’s Ashes series concludes. In addition, Heather Graham will replace Megan in the lineup following her tenure with Australia A in Leicester.

“Megan Schutt will return to Australia following the conclusion of the Ashes series as part of a managed period of preparation for a full summer schedule,” she added.

Three One-Day Internationals will be played between the two teams for the ICC Women’s Championship. While Meg Lanning recovers from her injury, Alyssa Healy will continue to serve as captain. Since 2005, Australia and Ireland have not met in ODIs. Their most recent appearance was in a 2023 T20 World Cup warm-up match, where the Irish defeated the Australians.

Alyssa Healy (captain), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, and Georgia Wareham will tour Ireland for Australia.