Ireland Opt to Bowl Against England in Arlene Kelly’s Farewell ODI

 Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl first against England in the third and final ODI of the series at Worcester, with the match marking Arlene Kelly’s final appearance in international cricket.

England have already secured the three-match series 2-0 after convincing victories in the opening two games. The hosts made one change to their playing XI, resting fast bowler Issy Wong following her match-winning five-wicket haul in Derby. Lauren Filer came into the side as her replacement.

Ireland made two changes after their six-wicket defeat in the second ODI on Thursday. Off-spinner Lara McBride was brought into the team in place of Georgina Dempsey, while Arlene Kelly returned to the XI for Jane Maguire.

The match carries particular significance for Kelly, who announced her retirement from professional cricket at the age of 32 shortly before the start of play.

The New Zealand-born allrounder made her international debut for Ireland against South Africa in June 2022. Since then, she has featured in 110 of Ireland Women's 117 international matches.

Kelly has been one of Ireland's most consistent wicket-takers during her international career. Before her farewell match, she had taken 135 wickets across formats, placing her third on Ireland Women's all-time wicket-taking list behind Isobel Joyce and Laura Delany.

Her best bowling figures came in a T20I against the Netherlands in 2023, when she claimed an impressive 5 for 12. Kelly has also contributed 601 runs with the bat at international level.

Ireland captain Gaby Lewis will lead a side featuring Alice Tector, Amy Hunter, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell and Leah Paul, with Louise Little, Kelly, Cara Murray, McBride and Kia McCartney completing the XI.

England's lineup includes Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Jodie Grewcock, wicketkeeper Alice Capsey, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, captain Charlie Dean, Mady Villiers, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Filer and Tilly Corteen-Coleman.

With England looking to complete a 3-0 series sweep, Ireland will hope to finish the series on a high and give Kelly a memorable send-off in her final international match.