Gaby Lewis replaces Laura Delany as Ireland captain

Gaby Lewis replaces Laura Delany as Ireland women's captain. (Photo Source: X(Twitter/Ireland Cricket)

Gaby Lewis has replaced as Ireland women’s captain, Cricket Ireland confirmed on October 15.

Lewis, 23, is Ireland’s fifth-most capped women’s international after making her international debut in 2014 at the age of 13. Along with her 155 caps for Ireland, Lewis is Ireland Women’s highest run-scorer having amassed 3,742 runs at 28.95 across formats. She has scored two centuries and 21 half-centuries to date.

Lewis has captained her national side 12 times so far, most recently in the successful campaigns against Sri Lanka and England during the summer. She will take over the side with immediate effect before tours to Bangladesh and India coming up in November and January respectively.

Laura Delany was praised as an exceptional leader during her record-breaking tenure as captain after leading the side 125 times between 2016 and 2024. Delany, 31, made her debut in 2010 and is also Ireland Women’s most-capped player with 207 appearances to date.

Ciara O’Brien, National Women’s Selector, said Laura would continue to play a key role in the development of this Ireland Women’s international squad: “Laura Delany is an icon of Irish cricket having led the national team with distinction for over eight years during a time of great change and challenge. She has been an exceptional leader guiding the team through significant milestones in the evolution of our sport. Her contributions as captain cannot be understated.

“This decision marks a significant leadership change within our senior national team. With two overseas tours on the horizon, the start of the new ICC Women’s Championship and crucial World Cup Qualifiers ahead, the Selectors felt that now was the right time to introduce a new leadership structure.

“As part of this transition, Gaby Lewis will take on the role of captain with Orla Prendergast being appointed vice captain. Gaby, stepped into the captaincy this summer, and she impressed with her own style of leadership – we wish her well as we begin the planning for what will be a busy winter and enormously important 2025.

“We would like to sincerely thank Laura for her remarkable leadership since being appointed in 2016. Her professionalism and commitment to the team has been instrumental in navigating periods of growth and development and achieving significant results on the field. Laura has always led by example and is a role model for cricketers throughout the country with her focus and dedication to Irish cricket.

“Laura will continue to play an important role within the squad, and she remains a vital part of the team.”

Ed Joyce, Head Coach of Ireland Women, said: “I have been privileged to work closely with Laura over the last five years and have profound respect for the work she has done, both on-the-field and off. Not only has she led the squad through the transition from the amateur to professional era, but the incredible support she offered the squad during those COVID years goes largely unrecognised. Laura’s one of the most competitive and focussed players I have worked with, and I have greatly enjoyed every minute..

“Looking forward, however, the selectors feel that it is time now for new leadership at the senior level. This change in dynamic has meant we have sought a new leadership team. Gaby, as a cricketer and leader, has continued to grow and improve year-on-year. Her analysis and reading of the game are excellent and her captaincy in Laura’s absence for much of this summer was outstanding. She is ready to take on the role of captain and I’m excited to see where she can take the team in the next few years.

“Orla Prendergast will be the new vice captain. Orla also got the opportunity to lead the team this summer when both Laura and Gaby were injured, and we were very impressed with how she handled some high pressure situations during the Sri Lanka series. Gaby and Orla together then worked very well as the leadership team in the games where both played.

“We have tours of Bangladesh and India this winter, an Under-19s Women’s T20 World Cup and a crucially important year ahead in 2025. Not only will we have another busy home summer, but there are qualifying tournaments to navigate for both the 2025 50-over World Cup and 2026 T20 World Cup.

“As such, we considered now the right time in the cycle to give the new leadership team time to settle in and begin planning. These changes are never easy and I would like to thank Gaby, Laura, Ciara and everyone else involved in this process. We believe the future is bright for this young squad, and I’m really looking forward to working with both Gaby and Orla in the period ahead.”

Speaking from Melbourne where she is currently playing club cricket, Gaby Lewis said: “Firstly, I would like to recognise my long-time friend and teammate, Laura, for her absolute dedication to leading the national team and being a role model for many. I know when I first came into the senior setup, Dells was one of those teammates you looked to for inspiration. Moving from the amateur to professional era, she has continually looked to develop and improve her game, and I look forward to playing alongside Dells on many more occasions as we move into the next stage of our squad’s development.

“Secondly, I am delighted to be asked to be Ireland Women’s captain on a permanent basis. I thoroughly enjoyed acting in the role during the summer and am genuinely excited about the young talent coming through the system. While we are a young squad, the results in recent years have shown that we can compete with the best. I am thrilled that Orla [Prendergast] has been named as vice captain. She has an outstanding cricket brain that matches her outstanding playing talent. I’m really looking forward to leading this team as we take on the world’s best over coming years.”