Gaby Lewis will captain a ‘buzzing’ Ireland team in the first of three one-day internationals against Sri Lanka in Belfast and will look to carry her stunning T20 form into the longer matches.
Lewis top-scored in both T20s at Sydney Parade in the week – backing up her 39 in the opening game defeat with a stunning 119 that helped Ireland to a first victory over the Asia Cup champions.
Long-time skipper Laura Delany injured an ankle during that win,so vice-captain Lewis will lead the side at Stormont in what will be her 150th international appearance.
“The squad were buzzing after the win on Tuesday,” recalled Lewis.“It was brilliant to level the series after losing the first game.”
Despite hitting 17 fours and two sixes in her second T20 century – her first was against Germany – the 23-year-old reckons the 50-over game suits her better.
“In the last year or two, I’ve preferred the longer format, and I’ll be looking to spend as much time at the crease as possible,” she added.
“You don’t have to be as attacking (in ODIs), I can trust my natural instincts a bit more as opposed to being premeditated and trying to think ahead of the bowler.
“Sri Lanka have a lot of spinners but we’ve had a really good prep coming into this series.
“We have plans, we’re ready to go and I back us as a team.”