Australia announce squad for Ireland ODIs, Kim Garth set to face former teammates

Former Irish cricketer Kim Garth is all set to face her old compatriots in Australia’s forthcoming tour Ireland, slated to begin on Sunday, July 23. The selection committee of Cricket Australia announced a 14-member squad that will travel to Dublin for the ODI series.

Kim Garth, who began her career with the Irish national team, featured in 114 matches before moving to Australia in 2020. The all-rounder will go head-to-head against her former teammates in the forthcoming series in July. On that note, Shawn Flegler, head of performance (Women’s Cricket) and national selector, lavished praise on the former Irish all-rounder, terming it as a ‘unique experience’.

“Taking on an emerging Ireland team in their home conditions will be a great challenge for our team off the back of an Ashes campaign. Kim Garth has had a remarkable cricketing journey to this point of her career. She’s worked incredibly hard to earn her place on this tour and there’s no doubt it will be a unique experience for her,” Flegler was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

Heather Graham joins setup in place of Megan Schutt

Shawn Flegler further confirmed that Megan Schutt will return to Australia following the conclusion of the ongoing Women’s Ashes series. In addition to this, Heather Graham will return to the setup in place of Megan, after her stint with Australia A in Leicester.

"Megan Schutt will return to Australia at the conclusion of the Ashes as part of a managed period of preparation for a full summer schedule,” she added.

The two sides will contest in three ODIs which accounts for the ICC Women’s Championship. With regular skipper Meg Lanning recovering from an injury, Alyssa Healy will continue to lead the side. Australia and Ireland have not locked horns in ODIs since 2005. Their most recent outing was in the 2023 T20 World Cup warm-up match, when the Irish side got the better of the Aussies. 

Australia squad to tour Ireland: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham