DUBLIN – Approval has been given for Ireland Women’s star all-rounder, Orla Prendergast, to change her shirt number from 84 to 10.
Speaking after one of the final training sessions before the Ireland Women’s squad flies to South Africa, Orla said:
“I’ve made the decision to change my shirt number from 84 to 10 – my dad’s birthday. Since my dad passed last May, I’m always trying to think of ways to keep him close to me and having the number 10 on my shirt is another way of doing so.
“My dad was always my biggest support in cricket – the first person I’d go to on my good days and my bad days. He constantly told me how proud he was of me, and I hope to continue making him proud with the number 10 on my back in memory of him.
“I’m pretty superstitious, so it took a little bit of self-convincing to move on from number 84, but I’m really looking forward to touring South Africa in a few weeks time with number 10 on my shirt.”
FIXTURES
The matches are:
5 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 1st T20I (Newlands; start time 2pm)7 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 2nd T20I (Boland Park; start time 2pm)10 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 3rd T20I (Willowmoore Park; start time 6pm)13 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 1st ODI (Buffalo Park Stadium; start time 10am)16 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 2nd ODI (St George’s Park; start time 10am)19 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 3rd ODI (Wanderers Cricket Stadium; start time 2pm)
[all times local to venue]
SQUADS – Ireland Women
Ireland T20I Squad
Gaby Lewis (captain)Ava CanningChristina Coulter ReillyAlana DalzellLaura DelanyAmy HunterArlene KellyLouise LittleAimee MaguireJane MaguireLara McBrideCara MurrayLeah PaulOrla PrendergastRebecca Stokell
Ireland ODI Squad
Gaby Lewis (captain)Ava CanningChristina Coulter ReillyLaura DelanyGeorgina DempseySarah ForbesAmy HunterArlene KellyAimee MaguireJane MaguireLara McBrideCara MurrayLeah PaulOrla PrendergastRebecca Stokell
Head Coach: Lloyd Tennant