Eimear Richardson returns to Ireland squad for World Cup qualifiers

Eimear Richardson and Louise Little return to the Ireland squad ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

Both players were unavailable for last month’s successful tour of the same country, but come back in as the only two changes from that squad.

Sarah Forbes and Zara Craig make way as a result, but Forbes will still fly out to Zimbabwe as a travelling reserve.

Richardson - who is available to play after being released by her club in New Zealand, the Northern Districts - returns after impressing during her last run in a green shirt, securing the Player of the Tournament award during the summer’s World T20 Europe Qualifier alongside August’s ICC player of the Month award.

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Fresh off securing the same accolade for the month of October, Laura Delany once again captains the squad.

Alongside Delany, Leah Paul, Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter all also feature meaning Ireland return to Zimbabwe with the same top four that scored the bulk of the side's runs during that recent series victory.

It will be hoped that Richardson, who scored 53 (49) during her last appearance against the Netherlands in August, will lengthen what is already an in-form line-up.

Head Coach Ed Joyce acknowledged the importance of Richardson’s return to what is still a relatively inexperienced group - five of the squad only made their ODI debuts last month.

“It is great to see the squad finally confirmed - especially the return of Eimear Richardson to the set-up” he said.

“Eimear is not only a talented all-rounder on the field, but is a role model with over 15 years international experience to call upon. You can’t put a price on experience, and she is always an asset to the squad both on and off the field, and we thank Northern Districts for releasing her to play in the qualifier.

“We saw in Zimbabwe last month the confidence that our batting and bowling units gained from spending time training and playing in Zimbabwean conditions - especially how to adapt to altitude and dealing with the challenges of touring life.

“The facilities were first-rate, and that tour, I believe, saw a number of our players prove to themselves that they belonged in international cricket.”

Louise Little returns to bolster a bowling attack that includes spinners Cara Murray and Celeste Raack - who both impressed in Zimbabwe - alongside seamers Jane Maguire and Sophie MacMahon.

It appears that Orla Prendergast, whose bowling load was limited on the last tour due to injury, has returned to full fitness.

Ireland need to finish the competition in one of the three top positions to qualify for the 2022 World Cup to be held in New Zealand. The next two best teams will also qualify for the ICC Women’s Championship.

Ireland squad for the World Cup qualifiers: Laura Delany (captain), Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Eimear Richardson, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron.

Travelling reserve: Sarah Forbes

Non-travelling reserves: Alana Dalzell, Kate McEvoy.

Ireland’s World Cup qualifier fixtures:

Ireland vs Netherlands, 21st November 7:30am (all times Irish time)

Ireland vs West Indies, 23rd November, 7:30 am

Ireland vs Sri Lanka, 25th November, 7:30am