Ireland name 15-member squad for Lord's Test

DUBLIN – Cricket Ireland have announced a 15-player squad that will travel to England in late May for a three-day first-class fixture against Essex, before the Test Match against England Men from 1-4 June 2023.

The 15-member team will be lead Andrew Balbirnie, including the likes of some experienced campaigners and Irish regulars such as Mark Addair, George Dockrell, Harry Tector and Lorcan Tucker. The team has lone spinner in the form of Andy McBrine, with national selector Andrew White citing the conditions at Lord’s, the venue of the Test.

“There is a familiar shape to the squad but given the progress and performances in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – particularly with the bat - the players acquitted themselves well and can take some level of confidence into Lord’s. It is great news that we can welcome the likes of Craig Young and Conor Olphert back into the set-up, and the next few weeks will be important for both these lads as they increase their workload ahead of this red-ball series," said White.

“We have only gone with one frontline spinner with conditions very different than where we have most recently toured, but Andy McBrine clearly demonstrated his all-round talent and also has the experience of playing at Lord’s in 2019," he added. "Regarding Josh Little, although the IPL will have finished, we are very conscious of the need for Josh to rest, recover and prepare for what will be a busy and important summer for us in white ball cricket.”

IRE vs ENG series fixtures

26-28 May: Essex Men v Ireland Men – 1^st Class Match (Chelmsford)

1-4 June: England Men v Ireland Men – Test Match (Lord’s)

Ireland squad

Andrew Balbirnie (C), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Conor Olphert, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan ucker, Craig Young