Ireland captain Gaby Lewis. Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Gaby Lewis has been appointed permanent Ireland captain, taking over from long-time leader Laura Delany in a surprise move ahead of this autumn’s tours of Bangladesh and India.
Lewis assumed the captaincy when Delany was injured in the first T20 against Sri Lanka in August, and led the side to a one-day international win over England in September.
There was no indication at that point that Delany’s eight-year reign, in which she has overseen the transition from amateur status to full-time professionals, was under threat.
But after 125 games in charge, Ireland’s record cap holder – 207 and counting – has been reduced to the ranks, with star all-rounder Orla Prendergast succeeding Lewis as vice-captain.
“Gaby, as a cricketer and leader, has continued to grow and improve year-on-year,” coach Ed Joyce said. “Her analysis and reading of the game are excellent, and her captaincy in Laura’s absence this summer was outstanding. She is ready to take on the captaincy and I’m excited to see where she can take the team in the next few years.”
Lewis’s ascent to the role is not dissimilar to her father Alan’s who became captain of the senior men’s side when Stephen Warke broke a bone in his elbow prior to the ICC Trophy in 1994.