Ireland's women's cricketers fly out to Bangladesh today with a sixth appearance in the World Cup as the target.

'We're very confident,' said captain Isobel Joyce about a team that is easily the best-prepared of all those that went before.

'Most of the squad work or study so we've been getting up for fitness drills on Sandymount Strand at 6am for a few weeks now, then training after work in North County and Merrion.'

The squad, which includes the second-youngest ever to play international cricket in 13-year-old Elena Tice, is coached by former Ireland batsman Jeremy Bray.

 'They're very talented', says Bray, 'And they've worked very hard too.

'Fitness will be a big issue out in Bangladesh and they've really put the work in.'

The Ireland team has been boosted by the appointment of Trent Johnston as assistant coach for the event, which starts on Monday with a crucial game against West Indies.

'Our sponsors RSA have been fantastic in helping us to get out there a few days earlier, and having someone of the experience of Trent along could be crucial', says Joyce, 'We've been told we can expect crowds of more than 10,000', she says, 'And even more when we play Bangladesh in the final game.'

Four teams qualify for the 2013 World Cup in India, and Ireland are drawn in Group B alongside West Indies, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Japan.