Ireland Women’s team all-rounder Gaby Lewis is set to add a few more feathers to her already illustrious cap when the home side takes on South Africa Women in the opening T20I in Dublin on Friday (June 03).
Gaby, 21, will not only become the youngest Irish captain, but she is also set to become the first daughter of a former Ireland cricketer to lead her country.
Gaby's father, Alan Lewis, led the Irish men's cricket team 35 times during the 90s, and on Sunday, he will witness his daughter do the same.
It will be a memorable occasion for young Gaby, who made her international debut at 13 against the Netherlands back in 2014.
"I literally have no memory of the match except that it was in Rugby School. I do remember the girls welcomed me in with open arms and having Lucy and Lena around my age at the game was great," Lewis was quoted by the Belfast Telegraph.
"I don't think you really realize the magnitude of the occasion when you are 13 but it must have been a great thing at the time," she added.
Lewis also touched upon her father's massive influence on her career so far. She revealed that she still asks for advice from her father.
"My dad was around the club for as long as I can remember, and I probably picked up a bat for the first time at the age of four. He was obviously a huge influence, although mum (Sharon) says 'don't forget about her' as she played a bit. So growing in a cricketing family it was a natural thing to do," she said.
"I still ask dad for advice. He's always there and it's brilliant to have him about the house," she added.
In her formative years, Gaby used to play a lot of Hockey, but she always knew which sport to prioritize.
"When I had to choose one, it was always going to be cricket. I tried to keep them both going as long as I could but I did know cricket was what I wanted to pursue," she said.
"It's amazing to think I've already played nearly 90 games, but hopefully, there's plenty more to come," Lewis concluded.
Lewis has featured in 22 ODIs and 48 T20 games so far, scoring 505 and 995 runs, respectively, besides claiming 10 & 3 wickets.