Ireland to take on North West Thunder at the Old Trafford

“This will be a fantastic opportunity for our players to play a high-quality fixture in an international stadium in front of - hopefully - a vibrant crowd,” said Ed Joyce, Head Coach of Ireland.

“The experience of the occasion will be great, however, with the T20 World Cup European Qualifier the following month, it’s crucial that our players are getting competitive, quality cricket. We see this fixture as a key part of our build-up to that qualifying tournament.”

Laura Delany will captain the team, that is without Amy Hunter, Jane Maguire and Jenny Sparrow, who were part of the squad against Scotland last month. Mary Waldron, meanwhile, returned to the side after missing the series.

“We are delighted to welcome Mary Waldron back into the set-up after being away in Australia for 18 months,” said Joyce. “I know Mary has been keen to get back home and join up with the squad, and her experience and skill will be a welcome addition to the playing group.”

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“We would like to thank the Thunder for agreeing to play this fixture, and hope that not only can we reciprocate soon, but this may become a mutually-beneficial longer-term relationship.”

The fixture will be played as a double header and the men’s T20 Blast fixture between Lancashire Lightning and Worcestershire Rapids will follow after this exhibition match. Thunder have won two and lost two games in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy this season so far.

Squad: Laura Delany (c), Ava Canning, Rachel Delaney, Georgina Dempsey, Shauna Kavanagh, Gaby Lewis, Lara Maritz, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Celeste Raack, Rebecca Stokell, Mary Waldron