Gaby Lewis has been confirmed as Ireland’s permanent women’s cricket captain, succeeding Laura Delany.
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, the Dubliner is Ireland Women’s highest run-scorer having amassed 3,742 runs at an average of 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 with immediate effect before the upcoming tours to Bangladesh and India, in November and January respectively. All-rounder Orla Prendergast has been appointed vice captain.
Delany (31), who led the side 125 times between 2016 and 2024, is Ireland’s most-capped player with 207 appearances and remains a member of the playing squad.
Head coach Ed Joyce 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.
“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.”
Speaking from Melbourne, where she is currently playing club cricket, Lewis said: “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’m really looking forward to leading this team as we take on the world’s best over coming years.”