This selection makes Naomi the third senior international player from our current MCCU women’s programme, joining England’s World Cup debutants Kirstie Gordon and Sophia Dunkley.
Naomi will join the Ireland team in an exciting phase of its history, on the back of Ireland’s heart-felt T20 World Cup campaign, which has prompted a response from Cricket Ireland who recently announced professional contracts will be awarded for the first time in early 2019. Ireland are currently ranked 10th in the world rankings and will look to cement their status on the global stage when qualification returns for the next T20 World Cup in Australia 2020.
On her selection Naomi said:
“It was a total surprise, I didn’t expect to be selected so I’m really excited about the summer ahead and the few months of indoor work still left before the season starts. My main aim is to be selected for the World T20 in 2020 and be in the starting line up for the qualifiers.
Loughborough’s facilities have been something that really helped, obviously with the gym, nets, and pitches everything is so close and of top quality - it’s been fab. I’ve also received rehabilitation and strength and conditioning support across the past two years, so I am so thankful I have been able to return from injury and gain selection.”
Head Coach Rob Taylor commented:
“It is great news for Naomi and this selection is very well deserved. She has worked very hard over the last 18 months to get back to full fitness after a tough injury and it is a credit to her, the physios and the S&C coaches that she was able to get back on the pitch last summer and put herself in the frame for selection this year. We will be working closely with Ireland cricket and her coaches to ensure she continues to develop and push for a place in their starting eleven. We are all so proud to see another Loughborough cricketer breaking into senior international ranks.”
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