As a results of accidents and participant unavailability – primarily due to college or school exams – head coach Ed Joyce is with out eight of his 20 senior efficiency squad members for the series.
Lewis turned the primary Ireland lady to rating a century in any format final August when she struck an unbeaten 105 from 60 balls in opposition to Germany within the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Region Qualifier and she or he was subsequently named within the ICC Women’s T20I workforce of the 12 months for 2021.
“It’s an absolute honour to be asked to captain Ireland for the first time,” Lewis stated. “The opportunity to take on one of the world’s leading sides is one I am relishing, and I know the squad is looking forward to the challenge.
“One of the advantages of a aggressive home Super Series is that – even with up to 9 gamers lacking – we’re nonetheless in a position to herald a gifted group of gamers as cowl, exhibiting that we’re rising our participant pool and growing our rising expertise in the precise approach.”
Selectors have chosen four possible debutants in the 14-player squad, including New Zealand-born Arlene Kelly, as well as Alana Dalzell, Sarah Forbes and Kate McEvoy. Jane Maguire is in line to make her T20I debut, if selected, having played four ODIs. New Zealand-based Eimear Richardson was unavailable for the series.
The 28-year-old Kelly, who plays for Auckland Hearts in New Zealand, is an Irish passport-holder and recently relocated to Ireland to pursue cricket opportunities. She has featured for Dragons in the early stages of the Arachas Super Series, claiming Player of the Match honours on debut after scoring 60 and taking 3 for 35 against Typhoons at Lisburn.
Carrie Archer, chair of national women’s selectors, said: “We are excited concerning the inclusion of those potential debutants, however on the similar time acknowledge that there is lots of years of expertise lacking. We might be dealing with one of many world’s top-ranked groups, and that is our first outing within the ICC Championship.
“Despite the challenges, the squad will still feature a number of senior players who have a wealth of experience – Gaby Lewis, Shauna Kavanagh and Mary Waldron have 335 caps between them. We wish Gaby and her team the best for the challenge ahead.”
South Africa’s tour of Ireland will start with three T20Is, beginning on June 3, forward of three ODIs from June 11-17.
Ireland squad: Gaby Lewis (capt), Alana Dalzell, Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Shauna Kavanagh, Arlene Kelly, Sophie MacMahon, Jane Maguire, Kate McEvoy, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Celeste Raack, Mary Waldron