Ireland have named a 17-player squad for January's tour of Zimbabwe in January.
The eight-match multi-format series heralds the start of a busy year for the senior women’s squad, which could potentially culminate in a T20 World Cup appearance in late 2024.
The tour is the first time Ireland will return to the African nation since its convincing 3-1 ODI series win in October 2021, during which Amy Hunter hit 121 on her 16th birthday to become the youngest centurion in ODI cricket.
Laura Delany, Ireland most capped player, will once again lead the side.
The squad will depart Dublin on 12 January, with their opening fixture an ODI six days later.
Selector Ciara O'Brien said: "This tour marks the start of a big 12 months for the senior squad, with a busy home and away schedule planned and the potential of a T20 World Cup towards the back end of the year.
"As such, the Zimbabwe series is a crucial part of our preparations and it is always a competitive challenge when these sides meet.
"While still a young squad, the players have pleasingly had a large volume of competitive cricket in the last two years.
"As a point in case, Arlene Kelly made her international debut 18 months ago and is already closing in on her 50th cap.
"But it isn't just the volume of cricket that has been beneficial to the squad, it’s been the quality of our opposition and the experience of playing in varying conditions that has built up a confidence, resilience and adaptability amongst the playing group."
Ireland squad: Laura Delany (capt), Ava Canning, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes*, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Gaby Lewis, Louise Little**, Joanna Loughran, Sophie MacMahon**, Jane Maguire*, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Freya Sargent, Rebecca Stokell.
* ODI series only
** T20I series only
