Gaby Lewis 'privileged' to skipper Ireland ahead of Bangladesh series

New Ireland women's cricket captain Gaby Lewis believes she is more than ready to take on the role ahead of the ODI series against Bangladesh.

As well as three ODI games, the first of which is on Wednesday, the Irish will also take on Bangladesh in three T20 encounters.

The ODIs will form part of the ICC Women's Championship which leads to World Cup qualification.

The Women's Championship consists of 10 teams with hosts India and five other countries automatically qualifying for the World Cup in 2025, with Ireland currently bottom of the group with three wins from 18 games.

The Irish will wrap up their series against India in January before heading to the final qualifiers next March.

Gaby Lewis takes over from Laura Delany as skipper in something a surprise move by the Irish selectors and head coach Ed Joyce, the decision announced when Delany was out injured.

Delany has, however, been included in the squad for Bangladesh as the all-rounder continues her rehab from a bad leg ankle injury sustained in the 2-1 series win against Sri Lanka in August which saw Lewis's step in as temporary captain.

Speaking to RTE Sport Lewis said "I wasn't terrible surprised (to take over) as I had filled in and I didn't necessarily feel that I wasn't ready.

"I spoke to Ed and was happy to take over, happy and privileged.

"Laura and I will speak about it in Bangladesh and look she has been brilliant, coming to training with a great attitude.

"Laura is a competitor at the end of the day and she understands professional sports and no doubt she will play every game and wear her heart on her sleeve like she always does.

"Over the years I have learnt so much from her, not only from a leadership point of view but from a cricketing point of view as well.