Injury concerns force Cricket Ireland to shuffle Women's squad for Netherlands series

Louise Little will make here return for the Irish Women's side

The injury concerns of the players like Ava Canning and Jane Maguire have forced Cricket Ireland to make changes in the squad for the three-match ODI series against the Netherlands. 

In place of them, Louis Little and Kate McEvoy have been included in the squad. The series is slated to be played from 22 to 26 August in VRA Cricket Ground, Amstelveen and Sportpark Westvliet, The Hague. 

Little made her international debut in 2017 and has featured in 6 ODIs and 10 T20Is. She last played for the Irish team in an ODI fixture against France in August 2021. 

McEvoy plays for the Scorchers Women's team in the Arachas Super T20 Trophy. The youngster is yet to feature in an international game. 

Ireland Women’s squad

Laura Delany (c), Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little, Sophie MacMahon, Kate McEvoy, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Mary Waldron

Arlene Kelly offered a full-time contract 

In another news, the all-rounder Arlene Kelly has become the 21st player in the Ireland senior women's squad to receive a full-time contract. 

Arlene Kelly during a domestic game

The 28-year-old made her debut in June 2022 and has till now featured in 3 ODIs and 6 T20Is. She has garnered 83 runs and scalped seven wickets in nine appearances. 

Interestingly, Kelly is a former Auckland player, who used her Irish passport to feature in the domestic cricket for Malahide earlier this year. 

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