Ireland’s star all-rounder Orla Prendergast has been given approval to switch her jersey number from 84 to 10 ahead of the tour to South Africa. 

Speaking to Cricket Ireland, Prendergast said:

“I’ve made the decision to change my shirt number from 84 to 10 – my dad’s birthday. Since my dad passed last May, I’m always trying to think of ways to keep him close to me and having the number 10 on my shirt is another way of doing so."

“My dad was always my biggest support in cricket – the first person I’d go to on my good days and my bad days. He constantly told me how proud he was of me, and I hope to continue making him proud with the number 10 on my back in memory of him," she added.

Prendergast did mention that it did take some self convincing as she is superstitious, yet she looks forward to dawning the number 10.

The all-rounder has shown her remarkable ability consistently, after exceptional performances in the series victory against Pakistan and a flawless European Regional Qualifier, she maintains her stature as one of the best in the world, currently ninth in the ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder ranking.

Ireland will face their toughest challenge yet, touring World Cup runners-up, South Africa, a side that is always tough to beat but especially at their home turf. 

The tour is set to begin this Friday with the opening T20I at Cape Town at 12:00 PM GMT

T20Is

5 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women - 1st T20I, Cape Town

7 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 2nd T20I, Paarl

10 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 3rd T20I, Benoni

ODIs

13 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 1st ODI, East London

16 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 2nd ODI, Johannesburg 

19 December: South Africa Women v Ireland Women – 3rd ODI, Johannesburg

Ireland T20I Squad

Gaby Lewis (C), Amy Hunter, Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell

Ireland ODI Squad

⁠Gaby Lewis (C), Amy Hunter, Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Sarah Forbes, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell