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When Ireland’s Orla Prendergast steps out on the field this Sunday it will end a 624-day wait from the last time she pulled on an Irish jersey and represented her nation.
Between the last Ireland Women’s international in September 2019 and this Sunday, there have been at least four tours and series cancelled and a world cup qualifier tournament postponed as a result of the pandemic.
The Pembroke all-rounder made her international debut in August 2019 and has eight caps to date. In August 2020, Prendergast became one of seven players to be awarded a part-time playing contract with Cricket Ireland.
Prendergast’s form during the domestic Super Series in 2020 was labelled “outstanding” by her team and international captain Laura Delany, scoring 151 runs at an average of 25.17 and claiming 10 wickets at 18 runs apiece. She has continued that form into 2021, scoring her maiden century two weeks ago, hitting 116 from 129 balls, then taking 2-17 and affecting a direct hit run out in the same match.
Fittingly, Prendergast cites Australia’s Ellyse Perry as her cricket role model growing up, as – just like Perry – she is an all-rounder who played cricket and football concurrently (Prendergast played football for Ireland under-16s and under-17s).
Speaking from her home ahead of the Scotland series, Prendergast said:
“It’s absolutely brilliant to finally be back playing international cricket and definitely an added bonus to have our first home fixture in two years. The possibility of spectators being allowed to attend is a really exciting prospect and hopefully, all going well that will be able to happen. We’ve had a long training block over the last 18 months, so it’s really exciting to be able to compete again and see where we are.”
“The Super Series this year has provided an excellent opportunity for us to prepare for the upcoming series. While we’ve obviously been extremely lucky to continue training over the last months, it’s been vital for us to get time out batting and bowling in the middle to prepare for upcoming international matches. Personally, I feel the Super Series has really helped me prepare for the upcoming series, both bowling and batting. The century I scored two weeks ago has definitely boosted my confidence, and hopefully, I’ll carry some of that form through to the Scotland series.”
“Being without international cricket for a long period has left me with a lot of time to work on things that I wouldn’t have wanted to change if I had upcoming matches. I’ve been working on my bowling action and consistency a lot, and also my game plan with the bat.”
“The part-time retainer contract has also been a welcome opportunity. Having extra coaching contact time with Ed [Joyce] and Glenn [Querl] has really helped me further my game already, and it’ll be great to have some matches to test my skills again.”
“With regard to the Scotland series, I’m expecting some high standard and very close games. The two sides look quite evenly matched, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the series plays out. In relation to my own specific goals, I don’t really have any. Obviously, I’m hoping to take wickets and make some runs, but my main focus is just on helping the team win.”
SQUADS FOR THE SERIES
Ireland Women:
Laura Delany (capt), Ava Canning, Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Jane Maguire, Lara Maritz, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Jenny Sparrow, Rebecca Stokell.
Scotland Women:
Kathryn Bryce (capt), Sarah Bryce, Becky Glen, Lorna Jack, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Ikra Farooq, Abtaha Maqsood, Samantha Haggo, Katie Mcgill, Priyanaz Chatterji, Ailsa Lister, Katherine Fraser, Ellen Watson, Megan McColl.
SERIES FIXTURES
The fixtures in the Celtic International T20 Challenge Series are:
• 23 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 1st T20I (Stormont, starting 1pm)
• 24 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 2nd T20I (Stormont, starting 1pm)
• 26 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 3rd T20I (Stormont, starting 1pm)
• 27 May 2021: Ireland Women v Scotland Women – 4th T20I (Stormont, starting 11am)
The matches will be livestreamed and livescored via the Cricket Ireland match centre. No spectators are permitted to attend the first game, but capped and controlled crowds will be permitted at games 2, 3 and 4.
SPONSOR EXTENSION
Recently, Ireland Women’s team sponsor Hanley Energy demonstrated their ongoing support for Irish cricket and women’s sport by renewing their sponsorship for a further two years (read here).
