Ireland have called up Australian-born legspinner Celeste Raack for the Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean.
Raack, 24, holds an Irish passport and recently committed to Ireland having played in this season’s domestic Super 3 tournament.
She will be part of an experienced squad captained by Laura Delany which also features Clare Shillington and Ciara Metcalfe who will retire after the tournament.
“It’s a great squad, one which is both a reward for performance and an acknowledgement at how important big game experience is at international tournaments,” Aaron Hamilton, the head coach, said. “When you’re at a world cup with the TV cameras, big crowds and big venues, it is important to ensure the younger players are surrounded by experienced heads.”
“I’m also delighted that selectors have looked beyond and taken the chance of bringing leg-spinner Celeste Raack into the squad. Celeste impressed many of us playing for the Typhoons in the Toyota Super 3’s Series this year, and has previously played for the Tasmanian Tigers women’s team in the Australian women’s domestic league, and the Hobart Hurricanes in the Women’s Big Bash League.”
Raack said: “I am flying in on Friday to join the squad in their preparation for the tournament and am very much looking forward to it. I am hoping that this will be the start of a long career as an Irish cricketer and intend on relocating for the start of the 2019 cricket season. Playing with and against Irish international players in this series really improved my cricket and bowling on Irish wickets was a different challenge to those I’ve played on in Australia.”
Ireland will face Australia, Pakistan, India and New Zealand in the group stages of the World T20.