The ICC Women’s World Twenty20 in November will mark the end of an era for Irish female cricket, as stalwarts Clare Shillington and Ciara Metcalfe are set to retire from the international scene.
The talismanic Shillington’s importance to the current Irish T20 squad is underscored by standout performances in last month’s WT20 Qualifier tournament, which saw her awarded ‘player of the tournament’. Shillington was Ireland’s leading run-scorer with 126 in five matches.
Looking to replicate that high level of performance when Ireland take on top sides Australia and New Zealand, Shillington revealed that although she doesn’t get “hugely nervous”, she is feeling the pressure of this tournament more than most.
“I want to perform and end on a high,” said the 37-year-old.
“We have to get as fit as we can, be as prepared as much we can and try and hit the ground running over there.”
Ireland, who are ranked 10th in the ICC Women’s rankings and are the lowest ranked team in the WT20, will look to emulate the success of the Irish women’s hockey team in the West Indies.
The tournament will be a key opportunity for Ireland to take advantage of a squad containing an exciting combination of youth and experience and regain ground on sides like Pakistan.
“It’s probably one of the strongest squads I’ve been on,” she added.