Gaby Lewis will captain Ireland Women for next month’s three-match ODI series against England, while Alice Tector will lead an Emerging Ireland squad at the ECB Super 4s competition in Loughborough beforehand.

The senior series forms part of the ICC Women’s Championship and begins at Leicester on September 1, followed by matches at Derby on September 3 and Worcester three days later. Ireland will also face an ECB Development XI in a warm-up game on August 29.

Recently-appointed national selector Lauren Rowles believes competition for places is increasing throughout the Irish system.

“There is real competition for places in the short-term and there is an exciting depth of talent coming through the pipeline,” she said.

“To have genuine competition within a senior squad is important as it drives standards and raises the desire of players to achieve more with every opportunity.”

Arlene Kelly returns following injury, while Alice Tector is also recalled and Kia McCartney retains her place as a spin option. Aimee Maguire, Sarah Forbes and Ava Canning are unavailable through injury.

Rowles believes regular exposure to leading nations through the Women’s Championship is crucial to Ireland’s development.

“What we are looking for is to develop a squad that understands what is required at this level to succeed — and you can only do that through first-hand experience,” she added.

Before the senior tour, Emerging Ireland will compete against three teams featuring England’s leading Under-19 talent in the ECB Super 4s.

The 15-player squad contains a mixture of fringe senior internationals and emerging prospects, with Tector captaining the side and Annabel Squires vice-captain.

Cricket Ireland High Performance Director Graeme West described the invitation as another important opportunity to strengthen the pathway beneath international level.

“The standard of this competition is typically very high and is part of the system that many recent English internationals have come through,” said West.

“The games will be invaluable in assessing the readiness of our emerging talent to enter the senior team environment.”

Lara Maritz also returns to the high-performance system, while several players involved at Loughborough will use the tournament as preparation for the senior ODI series.

Ireland Women squad:
Gaby Lewis (captain), Christina Coulter Reilly, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector.

Emerging Ireland Women squad:
Alice Tector (captain), Annabel Squires (vice-captain), Mansi Bhavsar, Zara Craig, Christina Coulter Reilly, Darcey Dalwood, Alana Dalzell, Abbi Harrison, Jenni Jackson, Aisling Lawlor, Niamh Lowry, Lara Maritz, Lara McBride, Ellie McGee, Penny Speer.