Women's T20 WC: Jane Maguire replaces injured Ava Canning in Ireland's squad
Leeds, June 17
Ireland have drafted seamer Jane Maguire into their squad for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup after medium pacer Ava Canning was ruled out due to a stress fracture in her back.
The ICC confirmed Jane's inclusion into Ireland's squad after getting the approval from the tournament's Event Technical Committee comprising Wasim Khan (Chair and ICC General Manager - Cricket), Gaurav Saxena (ICC General Manager - Events & Corporate Communications), Beth Barrett‑Wild (Tournament Director and host representative) and Stacy‑Ann King (Independent nominee).
"The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Jane Maguire as a replacement for Ava Canning in the Ireland squad. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad," said the ICC in its statement on Wednesday.
Ava had missed Ireland's clash against hosts and 2009 champions England, which they lost by six wickets at the The Rose Bowl in Southampton, with captain Gaby Lewis saying that it was due to a 'precaution'. In her absence, Louise Little came into Ireland's playing eleven and hit an unbeaten 26.
"Canning was sent for a precautionary scan yesterday after she raised concerns over her back after the match against Scotland last Saturday. Unfortunately for the Leinster all-rounder, the scan has revealed a stress fracture in her back and she will fly home to begin recovery and rehabilitation immediately. Maguire will join up with the squad tomorrow," said Cricket Ireland in its statement.
Jane, 23, has taken 33 wickets in 39 T20I games at an average of 22.81, while striking at every 20.8 balls. Her best figures of 3-9 came earlier this year against Netherlands during the T20 World Cup qualifiers in Kirtipur in January. She was previously ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a knee injury sustained in the Women's Super T20 Series, with her sister, off-spinner Aimee Maguire, included in the 15-member squad.
Ireland have lost both of their Group B games against Scotland and England. They will aim to get off the mark on the points table and get their first-ever win in the Women's T20 World Cup when they take on defending champions New Zealand in Southampton on Friday evening.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Stress fracture is no joke, especially for a young cricketer. Wishing Ava a speedy recovery. Jane has big shoes to fill, but she's played against Netherlands in the qualifiers so she has big-match experience. India's women's team should take note - injuries happen, always have backups ready.
Ireland's campaign is off to a rough start - two losses in two games. But bringing in a player with 3/9 best figures shows they're not giving up. The World Cup qualifying path is tough, but every match is a learning experience. Good luck to Jane! 🏏
As an Indian cricket fan, it's interesting to see the depth in women's cricket globally. Jane's record is solid - 22.81 average and 20.8 balls per wicket shows she can strike regularly. The Maguire sisters both in the squad now - that's a nice sibling story. Hope they make it count against the White Ferns.
Stress fractures in the back are a common issue for fast bowlers. Ireland's medical team did the right thing sending her for a scan early. Jane will need time to settle into the squad dynamics. Ireland's batting has been decent but bowling needs to tighten up. Let's see if she makes an impact. 🤞
Always tough to see a player ruled out of a World Cup due to injury. Jane Maguire has decent numbers but replacing an established all-rounder like Ava Canning will be challenging. Ireland need to find their rhythm quickly. The sister duo of Jane and Aimee could be a unique story if they both play together.
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