Ireland suffer injury blow as Ava Canning ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026

Ireland have drafted in Jane Maguire as an injury replacement for Ava Canning, who has been ruled out of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 after suffering a stress fracture in her back. The replacement was approved by the tournament’s technical committee on Wednesday, June 17, with Maguire set to be available for selection for Ireland’s upcoming clash against New Zealand Women on Friday, June 19.

Canning had already missed Ireland’s second group-stage fixture against England, where she was replaced by Louise Little. Despite a spirited effort from the Irish bowling attack, the team fell to a four-wicket defeat against the hosts in Southampton. The loss followed their opening-game setback against Scotland Women, leaving Ireland winless after two matches in the tournament.

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Maguire’s inclusion marks an encouraging comeback for the young pacer, who had been in danger of missing the World Cup altogether after suffering a knee injury during domestic cricket in early May. However, an ahead-of-schedule recovery has earned her a place in the squad, where she joins her sister, Aimee Maguire. The siblings will now be part of Ireland’s bid to secure their first-ever victory in Women’s T20 World Cup history.

Ireland’s campaign began with a 40-run defeat to Scotland, although Canning impressed with figures of 3/27. Batter Amy Hunter top-scored with 39 runs in that contest. In the second match against England, Aimee Maguire and Orla Prendergast picked up two wickets apiece, while Prendergast and Little made useful contributions with the bat, though the rest of the batting unit struggled to make an impact.

Ireland will next face the White Ferns at The Rose Bowl, Southampton on June 19, hoping to bounce back and keep their campaign alive with a much-needed victory.

Gaby Lewis (c), Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector