Paul Stirling recalled to Ireland ODI squad for West Indies series

Ireland opening batsman Paul Stirling has been recalled to the ODI squad for the one-off ODI against West Indies. The men from the Caribbean are scheduled to play an ODI against Ireland on September 13 at Stormont. Stirling was out of the team due to an injury but has recovered now.

The team will be led by William Porterfield and is bolstered by the return of Stirling and Niall O’Brien. Dockrell’s prolific domestic season has earned him the place in the side. The squad is brimming with the mixture of experience and youth. The notable names missing are Barry McCarthy and Craig Young who are nursing injuries right now.

Ireland head coach John Bracewell was disappointed for not having the services of McCarthy and Young. At the same time, he was also excited about the return of Stirling and Niall O’Brien as they would bring huge experience into the side.

“It’s disappointing that both Barry and Craig are ruled out but we have other options in the seam bowling department. Barry fractured his thumb batting in the nets and is expected to be out of action for around three or four weeks. Craig’s recuperation from an ongoing elbow problem is continuing but if surgery is required, which it may be, this could put him out for eight-10 weeks. We should know that for certain very shortly,” Bracewell said.

“On the plus side we have Paul Stirling and Niall O’Brien back from injury and that will certainly bolster the batting. George Dockrell has been in prolific form in domestic cricket and he is recalled too, which means we have no fewer than six spinning options in the squad,” he added.

West Indies is a dangerous side

It seems that the world has taken notice of the shocking victory Windies managed over England a couple of nights ago. Bracewell is wary of that and has hailed the visitors. He also claimed that they are ready to face them and the match will be a close one.

“The West Indies showed incredible character to bounce back after losing the opening Test heavily against England and showed just how dangerous and talented a side they truly are. They will have double centurion Shai Hope in their ranks for the Belfast clash, and when you add Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels into the mix then it’s a very dangerous group of players.

“It’ll be a great occasion for players and fans alike and one that everybody is really looking forward to. It’s sure to be a carnival of colour at Stormont,” the confident coach concluded.

Ireland ODI squad:

William Porterfield (Captain), John Anderson, Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Jacob Mulder, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson.