Gaby Lewis will lead the Ireland women's national cricket team at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, marking the first time she will captain the side at a global tournament. However, the star batter has been rested from Ireland’s forthcoming T20I tri-series against Pakistan and West Indies in Clontarf as she continues recovering from a recent leg injury. In Lewis’ absence, vice-captain Orla Prendergast will take charge of the side during the home tri-series. Cricket Ireland has not named a vice-captain for the tournament. Ireland have suffered another injury setback with right-arm medium pacer Jane Maguire ruled out of contention. However, there was positive news with the return of left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire, who has recovered from injury and earned selection in both the tri-series and World Cup squads. The 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup remains largely unchanged from the 14-player tri-series group, with Lewis returning for the global event. At the World Cup, Ireland face a challenging group featuring hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and former champions West Indies. Ranked ninth in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings, Ireland are ahead of only Scotland among the teams in their group. Ireland will begin their World Cup campaign against Scotland in Manchester on the second day of the tournament. The Irish side last competed in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers held in Nepal earlier this year, where they finished runners-up to Bangladesh. Lewis starred during the qualifiers, emerging as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 276 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 119.48. Currently ranked joint-14th among T20I batters, Lewis remains central to Ireland’s hopes at the World Cup. Orla Prendergast is ranked No. 26 among batters and sits seventh in the ICC rankings for women’s T20I all-rounders, while Amy Hunter is ranked 29th among batters. Ireland Women’s Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Gaby Lewis (captain), Orla Prendergast (vice-captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell. Ireland Women’s Squad for Tri-Series vs Pakistan and West Indies Orla Prendergast (captain), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell.

Australia women's national cricket team have confirmed their squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in England, with captain Sophie Molineux declared fit despite recent injury concerns. The squad announcement also brought a major selection surprise, with fast bowler Darcie Brown omitted in favour of 19-year-old left-arm seamer Lucy Hamilton, who has played just one T20 International so far. Australia’s selectors have also recalled all-rounder Grace Harris, adding extra firepower to the lower-middle order ahead of the tournament. Chief selector Shawn Flegler confirmed that Molineux will lead the side in England and stressed the importance of her left-arm spin in the team’s plans. Australia have selected a spin-heavy attack featuring legspinners Alana King and Georgia Wareham alongside Molineux and offspin all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner. Flegler indicated that all four spinners could potentially play together depending on conditions, although he described King as the fourth spinning option in the current pecking order despite her recent success in white-ball cricket. King has been in excellent form, currently ranked the world’s No. 1 ODI bowler and recently producing match-winning performances during Australia’s tour of the Caribbean. Brown’s omission is one of the most significant decisions in the squad announcement. The express pacer played a key role in Australia’s T20 World Cup triumph in South Africa in 2023, including crucial performances in both the semi-final and final. However, Brown has struggled for rhythm and consistency in recent T20 internationals. She has gone wicketless in four matches this year against India and the West Indies while also conceding runs at a high economy rate. Flegler explained that the expected slow conditions in England influenced the decision, adding that Brown had not fully cemented her role as a frontline powerplay bowler. Despite missing out, selectors insisted Brown remains an important part of Australia’s future plans and could still be called into the squad during the tournament if required. Hamilton, meanwhile, continues a remarkable rise in international cricket. The teenager only made her debut earlier this year but quickly impressed selectors with her pace, bounce and left-arm angle. She starred during her Test debut against India by taking six wickets and has already shown promise in both ODI and T20 cricket. Australia head coach Shelley Nitschke said Hamilton brings a unique dimension to the bowling attack because of her ability to generate steep bounce and bowl a “heavy ball.” Hamilton will be the only specialist left-arm seamer in a pace group that also includes Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, Nicola Carey, Annabel Sutherland, Tahlia McGrath and Ellyse Perry. The return of Grace Harris adds further depth to Australia’s batting. Harris was left out of the West Indies tour but forced her way back into contention following strong domestic and franchise performances, including a century in Queensland’s WNCL final victory and a successful Women’s Premier League campaign with Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women. Selectors believe Harris’ aggressive style gives Australia an additional match-winning option in the middle order. Australia have also welcomed back Annabel Sutherland after she was rested during the Caribbean tour. While her bowling role remains clear, there is still uncertainty around where she will bat in the T20 setup after appearing lower down the order in recent matches. The squad includes only one specialist wicketkeeper, with Beth Mooney set to take the gloves following Alyssa Healy stepping away from the role. Tahlia Wilson will travel as the reserve wicketkeeper. Australia will play three warm-up matches against South Africa women's national cricket team before beginning their T20 World Cup campaign against the same opposition at Old Trafford on June 13. Australia Women’s T20 World Cup Squad Sophie Molineux (captain), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Nicola Carey, Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney (wk), Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll and Georgia Wareham. Travelling reserve: Tahlia Wilson (wk).

Bangladesh have recalled top-order batter Taj Nehar to their squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, while Sarmin Sultana has been left out following the team’s recent home series against Sri Lanka. The 28-year-old Nehar returns despite modest numbers in international cricket so far, having scored 44 runs in eight T20Is. Her most recent appearance for Bangladesh came against West Indies in January 2025. Chief selector Sajjad Ahmed explained that Nehar’s flexibility in the batting order played a key role in her selection ahead of Sarmin. “We were thinking of Sarmin Sultana for the one-day format. Taj Nehar is a versatile cricketer who can bat between No. 1 to No. 6 in the batting line-up,” Sajjad said. “The selectors believe that Nehar can solve the problem of scoring quick runs in the last five overs.” Bangladesh will once again be captained by Nigar Sultana, who is set to lead the side in her third consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup after previously captaining the team in the 2023 and 2024 editions. The squad features a strong core of experienced players, including veteran spinner Fahima Khatun, who is preparing for her seventh T20 World Cup appearance. Fahima has been part of every Bangladesh Women’s T20 World Cup squad since 2014. Vice-captain Nahida Akter, along with Ritu Moni and Nigar, have all represented Bangladesh in the tournament since the 2016 edition. Overall, 11 players from the current squad were also part of the 2024 tournament held in the United Arab Emirates. Bangladesh head into the tournament after a disappointing 3-0 home series defeat to Sri Lanka earlier this month. The setback came after an impressive seven-match winning streak during the World Cup qualifiers. As part of their preparations, Bangladesh will travel to Edinburgh on May 25 for a tri-series involving hosts Scotland and the Netherlands. The team will then move to Loughborough for warm-up fixtures ahead of the tournament. Placed in Group 1, Bangladesh will face the Netherlands, Australia, Pakistan, India and South Africa. Their opening match will be against the Netherlands on June 14 at Edgbaston. Bangladesh Squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Nigar Sultana (captain, wicketkeeper), Nahida Akter (vice-captain), Sharmin Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akter, Sultana Khatun, Dilara Akter, Juairiya Ferdous and Taj Nehar.

New Zealand have announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup, with senior players Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu confirming they will retire from international cricket after the tournament. The duo will join Suzie Bates, who had earlier declared the event as her “final mission” in international cricket. The squad, led by Amelia Kerr, reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent as New Zealand prepare to defend their T20 World Cup title. Ten players from the previous title-winning campaign have been retained, including Kerr, Bates, Devine, Tahuhu, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair and Georgia Plimmer. Among the notable inclusions are Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp, both set to feature in their first T20 World Cup. Patel, an offspin-bowling allrounder, has made an impressive start to her international career with six wickets in four matches, while Sharp has already represented New Zealand in 11 T20Is since her debut in 2025. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed confidence in the squad, highlighting the balance between seasoned campaigners and young prospects. He described World Cups as the pinnacle of international cricket and said the team is eager to compete on the global stage. The tournament will also mark the end of an era for New Zealand cricket, with three of their most experienced players—Devine, Bates, and Tahuhu—bowing out together. Sawyer called it a “rare and special occasion,” acknowledging their immense contributions to the team and the sport. New Zealand head into the tournament in strong form, having won seven of their last eight T20 internationals. They will play a three-match T20I series against England women's cricket team in late May as part of their preparations. Placed in Group 2, New Zealand will face Ireland women's cricket team, Scotland women's cricket team, Sri Lanka women's cricket team, West Indies women's cricket team, and hosts England. They will begin their campaign against West Indies on June 14 in Hampshire, following warm-up matches against Bangladesh and South Africa in Loughborough. New Zealand Squad: Amelia Kerr (captain), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp (wk), Lea Tahuhu.

Australia’s decision to appoint Sophie Molineux as captain will ultimately be judged by performances at the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, according to national selector Shawn Flegler, who admitted her recent injury has created an “unprecedented” start to her leadership tenure. Molineux was named successor to former captain Alyssa Healy earlier this year, taking charge in phases before assuming full-time leadership during Australia’s tour of the West Indies. However, her captaincy has already faced challenges after she suffered a stress reaction in her back, limiting her role in the Caribbean to a batter-only position before being rested. Backing the Appointment Despite Injury Concerns Flegler acknowledged the unusual circumstances but maintained that Molineux remains the right choice to lead the side, emphasizing that the T20 World Cup was always the primary focus. “We knew the World Cup was the priority and decisions would revolve around that,” Flegler said. “Her injury was not ideal, but she is on track, and we believe she’ll be ready.” He also made it clear that Molineux will not be considered for a specialist batting role at the tournament, underlining her importance as a bowling allrounder. “We’re not looking at her as a batting captain—she needs to be available as a bowler,” he added. Leadership Decision Not Taken Lightly The appointment of Molineux over vice-captains Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner followed more than a year of internal discussions. According to Flegler, Molineux’s leadership qualities had been evident since early in her career, and injuries may have delayed her rise to captaincy. “If not for injuries, she could have been in the role much earlier,” Flegler noted, stressing that internal team dynamics and leadership qualities played a key role in the decision. Selection Headaches Ahead of World Cup Molineux’s limited bowling during the West Indies tour has also complicated Australia’s squad balance, particularly in the spin department. Alana King impressed on her return to T20Is, earning Player of the Series, while Georgia Wareham remains a first-choice spinner. Gardner also adds depth to the spin attack. Selectors now face a difficult decision on whether to include three or four spinners in the World Cup squad, especially with English conditions potentially favouring seam bowling. “Conditions will be crucial,” Flegler said, noting early morning matches and varying pitches could influence team composition. “There are players who’ve put their hand up, and whoever misses out will be unlucky.” Road to the World Cup Australia’s squad for the tournament is expected to be announced next month, followed by preparatory camps in Brisbane. The team will also play a warm-up series against South Africa in the UK before the tournament begins, along with official ICC practice matches. With expectations high and scrutiny mounting, Molineux’s leadership—along with her fitness—will be closely watched as Australia aims to maintain its dominance on the global stage.

England women's cricket team have appointed former Gloucestershire spinner Tom Smith as their new spin-bowling coach, strengthening their backroom staff ahead of a crucial home season and the upcoming T20 World Cup. Smith, 38, retired from professional cricket last summer following a long and successful county career with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. His achievements include winning the 2015 Royal London Cup and the 2024 T20 Blast, while he also ranks among the top five wicket-takers in the competition’s history. Transitioning smoothly into coaching, Smith had already taken on a player-coach role towards the end of his playing days and later served as a full-time assistant coach at Gloucestershire. He also gained experience in women’s cricket, working under Ali Maiden at Birmingham Phoenix during last year’s The Hundred. Within the England setup, Smith will join a coaching team led by head coach Charlotte Edwards, alongside assistant coach Luke Williams, batting coach Alex Gidman, bowling coach Chris Liddle, and fielding and wicketkeeping coach Nick Wilton. Smith is expected to play a key role in developing England’s spin attack, working closely with established players such as Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Charlie Dean, and Linsey Smith. He may also contribute to nurturing emerging talent like teenage left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman, who has impressed in recent training camps in South Africa. Edwards welcomed the appointment, praising Smith’s experience and reputation in white-ball cricket. “Tom is hugely respected in the game and brings a wealth of knowledge. Our spin bowlers will benefit massively from his expertise,” she said. At Gloucestershire, director of cricket Jon Lewis expressed mixed emotions over Smith’s departure, stating the club was disappointed to lose him but proud of his development as a coach. Smith will leave after the first day of their second County Championship fixture against Durham, with Shane Jurgensen set to step in on a temporary basis. Looking ahead, England Women face a packed international schedule, including series against New Zealand women's cricket team, India women's cricket team, and Ireland women's cricket team. The highlight of the season will be the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, which begins on June 12 on home soil. Smith expressed gratitude to Gloucestershire for their support throughout his playing and coaching journey and described the opportunity with England Women as “an amazing one,” adding that he is excited for what promises to be a landmark summer in his coaching career.