IRE vs NZ: Conor Olphert ruled out of T20I series, Fionn Hand called up to Ireland squad

Conor Olphert has withdrawn from the Ireland Men’s T20I squad with an injury, with Clontarf’s Fionn Hand joining the squad as a replacement. Olphert has sustained a knee injury and will begin rehab immediately after an MRI scan yesterday confirmed the injury. The squad change comes on the eve of the T20I series against New Zealand at Stormont starting on July 18, Monday.

Ireland have been playing some excellent cricket in this home season with little reward. They drew India very close in a chase of 226 in the second and final T20I and then gave a tough fight to New Zealand in the recently concluded three-match ODI drawing them close in every match. In the first ODI, Ireland lost by just one wicket due to the brilliance from Michael Bracewell, and then the same player helped the Kiwis chase down a total with just three wickets in hand.

In the final game, Ireland almost did the unthinkable, chasing down 361 but fell short by just a run. They will be finally hoping to get over the line in this series against New Zealand.

Andrew White, Chair of National Men’s Selectors, said:

“It is obviously a great disappointment for Conor to sustain the injury at this time, just after impressing selectors during the inter-pro season and making his debut in the recent T20I series against India. Hopefully, with rehab commencing immediately, we can get Conor back fit as soon as possible. Fionn Hand comes in as bowling cover after impressing during the inter-pros, and his batting will be an obvious bonus if he is selected to play.”

Ireland Men’s T20I squad for New Zealand series

• Andrew Balbirnie (Captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

Ireland Men v New Zealand Men series

• Monday 18 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 1^st T20I (Stormont)
• Wednesday 20 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 2^nd T20I (Stormont)
• Friday 22 July: Ireland v New Zealand, 3^rd T20I (Stormont)