Latest news with #women'scricket
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Foundations in place for Ireland to grow
New Ireland women's head coach Lloyd Tennant says the "foundations are in place" for the team to qualify for World Cups and improve their ranking during his time in who has 30 years of experience in coaching, was appointed as Ed Joyce's successor in May. And as he prepares to take on Zimbabwe in his first game at the helm in the opening T20 on 20 July, Tennant says he has "all good impressions" of what he has seen since starting his role on 1 June. "It [World Cup qualification] has been spoken about, making sure that we're all together in our vision," the 57-year-old said, with Ireland's hopes of reaching this year's ICC Women's World Cup ended by Bangladesh in April. "The team want to get through to World Cups obviously, so that's something we've already started to speak about. But also they want to move up the rankings and world rankings. It's an ambitious young group and an ambitious support staff behind them."Of the squad he has inherited from Joyce, who was head coach for nearly six years, he added: "We've got a decent mix of older heads and experienced players and younger. "We've got some good foundations and hopefully we can build on their skill set and keep moving forwards. As we go forward, we'll get some extra pace and wicket-taking options, trying to develop a bit of depth in the spin bowling. "We know that the batting group is strong, but could we add a bit of power hitting just to get slightly bigger scores." Maguire 'not a worry at all' A former seam bowler with Leicestershire, Tennant was assistant coach at Manchester Originals and was women and girls' talent manager at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for two years."Across the board I've had different experiences," he added."[I've been] an assistant coach, a head coach and I've worked in the women's game for 10 years and have seen how that's developed, so I'm hoping we can still continue to move the women's game forward as it's growing across the world at the moment. "I'm hoping to be an influence on some of the coaches as well. Being in coaching for a long time, I've made my own mistakes and have got a few things right, so hopefully I can pass that experience on to the coaches."Ireland face Zimbabwe in three T20s later this month before a three-match one-day international series between the sides, which starts on 26 July. Tennant handed a debut call-up to The Hill's right-arm off-spinner Lara McBride off the back of her Super Series performances for the added he has no concerns over the 19-year-old's club-mate Aimee Maguire, who was suspended from international cricket earlier this year for an illegal bowling action. "Yeah, she's doing brilliantly," Tennant said of 19-year-old Maguire. "She absolutely looks fine to me. She's not a worry at all. At the right time, at the right pace we'll get her back moving into the team but she's doing brilliantly."When asked if Maguire has gone back for re-testing, he added: "Hopefully she'll be going shortly, then we'll get her some cricket and take that at the right pace." Ireland squads for Zimbabwe series T20 squad: Gaby Lewis (captain, Phoenix/Scorchers), Ava Canning (Leinster/Typhoons), Christina Coulter Reilly (Clontarf/Scorchers), Laura Delany (Leinster/Typhoons), Amy Hunter (Instonians/Dragons), Arlene Kelly (Malahide/Dragons), Louise Little (Pembroke/Scorchers), Sophie MacMahon (Leinster/Scorchers), Jane Maguire (The Hills/Typhoons), Lara McBride (The Hills/Scorchers), Cara Murray (Waringstown/Clontarf/Dragons), Leah Paul (Merrion/Typhoons), Orla Prendergast (Pembroke/Dragons), Rebecca Stokell (Merrion/Typhoons).ODI squad: Gaby Lewis (captain, Phoenix/Scorchers), Ava Canning (Leinster/Typhoons), Christina Coulter Reilly (Clontarf/Scorchers), Alana Dalzell (Bready/Dragons), Laura Delany (Leinster/Typhoons), Sarah Forbes (Pembroke/Typhoons), Amy Hunter (Instonians/Dragons), Arlene Kelly (Malahide/Dragons), Louise Little (Pembroke/Scorchers), Jane Maguire (The Hills/Typhoons), Lara McBride (The Hills/Scorchers), Cara Murray (Waringstown/Clontarf/Dragons), Leah Paul (Merrion/Typhoons), Orla Prendergast (Pembroke/Dragons) Ireland v Zimbabwe fixtures 20 July: Ireland v Zimbabwe (1st T20; Pembroke)22 July: Ireland v Zimbabwe (2nd T20; Pembroke)23 July: Ireland v Zimbabwe (3rd T20; Pembroke)26 July: Ireland v Zimbabwe (1st ODI; Stormont)28 July: Ireland v Zimbabwe (2nd ODI; Stormont)
Reuters
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Former skipper Paine appointed Australia 'A' coach
SYDNEY, June 20 (Reuters) - Former captain Tim Paine has been appointed coach of the Australia "A" team for this season with the country approaching a transition to a new generation of players as a handful of test stalwarts near retirement. Paine has worked in the media along with occasional roles with the Australia women's team and "A" programme since hanging up his bat in 2023 but will now give up his radio show to concentrate on his new job. "It's time to spread my wings," Paine told listeners on SEN radio on Friday. "I've been working with Australia 'A' as an assistant coach and the opportunity has come up for me to be the head coach. I feel like it's a hard balancing act to pursue a coaching career and talk in the media. "The Australia 'A' programme is very exciting, there's a lot of young talent to work with. It's something I really enjoy doing. I'm very lucky and I'm really looking forward to the next part of my journey." Australia could lose as many as half a dozen test regulars to retirement after this year's Ashes series with the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja all in their mid to late 30s. Cricket Australia said Paine would continue to help out with the women's team as well as with his coaching role at the Adelaide Strikers Big Bash League team. Paine took over as test captain in the wake of the Newlands ball-tampering affair in 2018 and led Australia to the retention of the Ashes in England in 2019, only to resign before the 2021-22 series after a sexting scandal.
Times of Oman
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
All-round Oman women dominate Bahrain to complete clean sweep in T20I series
MUSCAT: In a solid display of all-round dominance, Oman recently completed a clean sweep of the three-match T20I women's series against Bahrain at the Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat. The victories—by five wickets in the first match, 57 runs in the second, and five wickets again in the third—highlighted the team's growing confidence, discipline, and unity as they continue to build momentum for future challenges. Oman started the series with a composed run chase in the opening T20I, overcoming Bahrain's modest total of 87 with five wickets in hand. In the second encounter, Oman asserted full control with both bat and ball, securing a dominant 57-run victory built on a solid team batting performance (162/5) and sharp bowling spells to restrict the visitors to 105/5. The third and final match saw a repeat of the team's consistency, as Oman again chased down the target of 93 with poise to seal the 3-0 result as they reached 95/5 in 14.5 overs. The series was shaped by outstanding all-round contributions from several Omani players. Opening batter Jayadhanyha Gunasekar, was a standout performer with the bat, scoring 84 runs across the three matches and providing Oman with much-needed stability at the top of the order. Her partnerships with fellow opener Trupti Pawde ensured that Oman had a solid foundation in every match. Team captain Priyanka Mendonca anchored the middle order with composed innings that added 68 runs to her tally. Her leadership with both bat and ball proved pivotal, particularly with her performance as a spinner, where she claimed six wickets, the highest across the series. Sameera Khan also made a strong impact with the ball, taking five wickets, including crucial breakthroughs with the new ball and during the death overs. Jayadhanyha added to her contributions with the ball as well, taking four wickets, showcasing her value as a reliable all-rounder. Coach Desmond Berhardt, who has overseen the team's rapid development despite limited international exposure in recent months, expressed deep pride in the players' resilience and performance. He said: 'I am absolutely thrilled by the team's brilliant performance and hard work that led to the recent 3-0 victory against the Bahrain Women's National Team.' 'It's remarkable how much the team and support staff achieved with such a short preparation period.' While acknowledging the signs of rust due to a lack of competitive international cricket, Berhardt praised the team's ability to adapt under pressure. 'The team's ability to leverage their experience and skills to navigate challenging situations speaks volumes about their resilience and talent,' he added. He reserved special praise for the batters who laid the groundwork for Oman's wins. 'I wanted to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of our batters, Jayadhanyha and Trupti, for consistently providing us with solid starts in all three games. The responsible innings played by our captain, Priyanka, in the middle order, along with the impactful cameos from Fiza Javed, Hina Javed, and Sameera, were also crucial.' On the bowling front, the team's spinners were instrumental in applying pressure on the Bahrain batters. 'Our spinners – Priyanka, Amanda, and Jayadhanyha – were exceptional, taking 13 wickets. Sameera's contribution of five wickets with the new ball and in the death overs was also noteworthy,' Berhardt said. The coach emphasised that despite the victory, there remains room for improvement across all departments. He welcomed the upcoming domestic cricket schedule as a key opportunity to sharpen the team's skills and deepen the talent pool. 'This kind of achievement will undoubtedly inspire more individuals to take up the sport, which will be instrumental in building a strong foundation for our future selection process,' he said. The series win has already generated momentum off the field. A week after the series concluded, Oman Cricket Treasurer Alkesh Joshi met with the players and their families in a celebratory gathering. He congratulated the squad and shared Oman Cricket's long-term vision and development roadmap for the women's game, motivating the players with the promise of more opportunities and structured growth. Berhardt expressed appreciation for the support shown by Oman Cricket in facilitating the series. 'We extend our sincere gratitude to Oman Cricket for organising this bilateral series with the Bahrain Women's National Team and for sharing their plans for upcoming tours and tournaments. This is all very encouraging, and I am optimistic about the future of women's cricket in Oman.' While Bahrain's Deepika Herath finished as the highest run-scorer of the series with 104 runs, it was Oman's cohesive team effort, balanced contributions, and clinical execution that proved to be the difference.
