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"Can't Afford To Take Them Lightly": Gaby Lewis Aims Zimbabwe Win Under New Coach

Soumyajit Dutta

Gaby Lewis [Source: @ICC/X.com]Gaby Lewis [Source: @ICC/X.com]

Irish captain Gaby Lewis is targeting a victorious beginning for new head coach Lloyd Tennant as Ireland's women host Zimbabwe in the first of three T20 Internationals at Sydney Parade on July 20. Gaby Lewis spoke on the new coach, his approach and how the team is aiming to approach Zimbabwe in the series.

Lewis on Confidence and Conditions Against Zimbabwe

Gaby Lewis acknowledged past successes but stressed the need for focus in different conditions, signalling Ireland won't underestimate their opponents under Tennant, who took over from Ed Joyce just six weeks ago.

“We can take confidence from past results. But the conditions will be different this time, and we can’t afford to take any side lightly,” Lewis told The Irish Independent.

Lewis further highlighted the shift in coaching style under Tennant and how it may impact the team dynamics.

“It’s been a big change. Ed was more on the batting side of things while Lloyd is more focused on the bowling but he also likes to get the two groups working together more, rather than being separate. He wants the bowlers to understand what the batter is thinking and trying to do, and how to combat that. I’ve listened to some of the conversations he’s had with the bowlers and they’ve been brilliant,” Lewis added.

Lewis Addresses the Fielding Focus

Lewis pinpointed fielding, particularly catching, as a weakness during April's World Cup qualifying campaign in Pakistan, as a critical area for improvement.

"I believe 80pc of fielding is your attitude towards it, and how aggressive you are... If you have a couple of bad days the pressure does build and we have to get rid of that fear because if you’re scared you’re not in a good head space, and not as clear and relaxed as you should be,” Lewis concluded.

The series should be a cake walk for Lewis as Ireland, holding a strong historical record against their lower-ranked opponents, are favoured to secure a series sweep before heading to Belfast for two subsequent ODIs next weekend.