Ireland squad for ODI tri-series announced, no Dockrell, Porterfield or Rankin

Cricket Ireland have released the details of the squad that will be travelling to the UAE to compete in an ODI series against the hosts and Afghanistan, the matches against the latter forming part of the World Cup Super League. Despite the series scheduled to be played in January, there is yet to be an official confirmation of the exact dates or the venues being used. 

Ireland Squad:

Andrew Balbirnie (C), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, David Delany, Gareth Delany, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young. 

The squad sees an exciting mix of youth and experience, with a few of Ireland’s most recognisable names left out. The trio of George Dockrell, William Porterfield and Boyd Rankin have not been named in the squad, despite having featured in the Irish’s latest ODI series against England. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Gary Wilson is not part of the team due to being on paternity leave. 

Ireland’s head coach Graham Ford, when talking about the upcoming fixtures, stated that ‘It goes without saying that 2020 has been a difficult year, but the lads have acquitted themselves well and can be proud of what they have managed to achieve … We’ve beaten the T20 World Champions, the West Indies, in a T20I in the Caribbean, beaten Afghanistan for the first time in a T20I in the subcontinent, and beaten the current World Cup champions England in their own backyard – those wins have helped build self-belief within the players and have demonstrated the progress we are making as a squad … We have two challenging series ahead of us, but we’re looking to create a sense of momentum going into a big year – a year that will feature multiple tours, a full home season and a T20 World Cup at the back end.’

Fans are still awaiting confirmation of who will be part of Afghanistan’s touring party. In contrast, followers of UAE cricket are currently immersed in the ongoing T20 action from the ‘Dream 11 D20’ tournament.

You’re reading Emerging Cricket — brought to you by a passionate group of volunteers with a vision for cricket to be a truly global sport, and a mission to inspire passion to grow the game.

Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, please subscribe for regular updates, and follow EC on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Don’t know where to start? Check out our features list, country profiles, and subscribe to our podcast.

Support us from US$2 a month — and get exclusive benefits, by becoming an EC Patron.

You’re reading Emerging Cricket — brought to you by a passionate group of volunteers with a vision for cricket to be a truly global sport, and a mission to inspire passion to grow the game.

Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, please subscribe for regular updates, and follow EC on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Don’t know where to start? Check out our features list, country profiles, and subscribe to our podcast.

Support us from US$2 a month — and get exclusive benefits, by becoming an EC Patron.