News

RAJKOT, India – Ireland Women’s spin coach commented from the team hotel ahead of the three-match series starting 10 January 2025.

Cameron-Dow, who has been in the role since last year, has been helping Ireland Women’s spin bowlers prepare for the challenge of playing in Asian spinning conditions. The three-match ODI series is one of the final series scheduled as part of the ICC Women’s Championship (2022-2025).

He outlined the extent of that challenge:

“Compared to the pitches in Bangladesh last year, I don’t think the wickets here in Rajkot will spin as much as those did. We have had a look at them and I’m not entirely sure that it’s going to spin a massive amount. But maybe that will change in the back end of the second game or then in the third game. The conditions will be slightly different. The outfield here will probably be a little bit quicker and the batters will be very confident playing spin. So I think it will be a big challenge coming up against some of the best players of spin in the world.”

On what he expects to see from Ireland’s spinners:

“We have two very young spinners here in Freya Sargent and Aimee Maguire. I really don’t mind them making mistakes, to be honest. I don’t mind them going out there and trying things. As long as there’s reason and thought behind what they’re doing. That’s the only way they’re really going to learn and gain experience. It’s about trying things and either it works or it doesn’t. But if they’re a little bit nervous to try things, then it’s difficult to develop. So I don’t mind them trying things. It’s about holding your nerve.”

The pressure of touring India as a spin bowler:

“I suppose there’s always the pressure of being the spinner in those spinning conditions in India or on a tour to Asia. I think that’s probably one of the key things for them: just keep it simple. Then trying to understand the areas where you want to restrict the batters from scoring. They have stood up to all the challenges they’ve had so far and done really well. So I’m expecting the same from them.”

Positives taken from the Bangladesh tour last year:

“As a spin bowling group, we spoke mostly about just holding our lengths, being a little bit more boring and keeping the balls in the right places. I think they’re certainly learning their trade and getting there slowly but surely. But I thought they were very good and we’re very excited about what’s to come.”

FIXTURES
• 10 January 2025: India Women v Ireland Women – 1st ODI (11am start; Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot)
• 12 January 2025: India Women v Ireland Women – 2nd ODI (11am start; Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot)
• 15 January 2025: India Women v Ireland Women – 3rd ODI (11am start; Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot)
*time local to ground

SQUAD

• Gaby Lewis (Phoenix / Scorchers) – captain
• Ava Canning (Leinster / Typhoons)
• Christina Coulter Reilly (Clontarf / Scorchers)
• Alana Dalzell (Bready / Dragons)
• Laura Delany (Leinster / Typhoons)
• Georgina Dempsey (Phoenix / Typhoons)
• Sarah Forbes (Phoenix / Typhoons)
• Arlene Kelly (Malahide / Dragons)
• Joanna Loughran (Leinster / Typhoons)
• Aimee Maguire (The Hills / Scorchers)
• Leah Paul (Merrion / Scorchers)
• Orla Prendergast (Pembroke / Dragons)
• Una Raymond-Hoey (Ringwood)
• Freya Sargent (Clontarf / Typhoons)
• Rebecca Stokell (Merrion / Typhoons)

Coaching and support staff: Ed Joyce (Head Coach), Glenn Querl (Assistant Coach), James Cameron-Dow (Spin Bowling Coach), Beth Healy (Team Manager), Calum Burdett (Strength & Conditioning), Jay Shelat (Performance Analyst), Niall Ward (Physiotherapist)