Ireland announces ODI, T20I squad for home series against South Africa

Ireland cricket team is all set to resume international duties as they will square off against South Africa in the three-match One Day series followed by as many T20 Internationals. The tour will kick-start from July 11, Sunday with an ODI match at The Village in Dublin. Ahead of the marquee tour, Ireland announced a 15-member squad for both ODIs and T20Is.

Curtis Campher and Graham Kennedy have made a comeback in the ODI team, while William Porterfield has been included in the team as a replacement for Kevin O’brien, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket.

As far as the T20I squad is concerned, Shane Getkate has been recalled to the national team. William McClintock earned his maiden call-up to the team for his impressive performances in the domestic circuit. Speaking about the team selection, Andrew White, Chair of National Men’s Selectors, said that the ODI series is important for the team as it forms a part of the World Cup Super League and they are looking forward to playing some good brand of cricket.

This is a chance to expose players to the international arena: Andrew White

“The World Cup Super League series against South Africa represents our first such fixtures on home soil, and while a tough challenge awaits, we are confident the squad we have selected provides Graham Ford and Andrew Balbirnie with plenty of options.”

“The sustained improvement of George Dockrell’s batting has provided us solidity and experience in the middle order, while it has been great to see our bowling strike force performing well in recent IP50 matches and at the two recent T20 Festivals.”

“Regarding the T20I squad, we’re looking at the series as a chance to expose a wider pool of players to the international arena and look at combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup in October,” Andrew White said in an official statement.

ODI squad

Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Graham Kennedy, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Graeme McCarter, Barry McCarthy, William Porterfield, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

T20I squad

Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, William McClintock, Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.