Gary Wilson returns to Ireland ODI’s squad while Stuart Poynter, Peter Chase, Simi Singh and James Cameron-Dow aren’t part of the 14-member team for the one off ODI against England and the first two ODIs of the tri-series against West Indies and Bangladesh. Wilson had missed the series against Afghanistan in India in February-March earlier this year due to an eye condition.
Foakes called up to England ODI squad in place of the injured Billings
“The return of Gary Wilson to the squad is a boost, after missing the Afghanistan series through injury, adding lower order experience, and Stuart Thompson’s all-round seam bowling gives us options,” said Andrew White, chairman of selectors. “The Selectors were also impressed with the form and consistent improvement of Barry McCarthy over recent times. Not only is Barry’s bowling at a much better place than it was this time last year, the work he has put in over the off season has been testament to his professional approach.”
The ODI squad also has two uncapped players in Josh Little and Lorcan Tucker, who have made it to the team on the back of some good performances in recent months. Little, the 19-year-old left-arm pacer has played 10 T20Is for Ireland, picking up 13 wickets in his international career so far. Tucker, a wicketkeeper-batsman, has played seven T20Is. The 22-year-old came up with impressive performances during the ‘A’ team tour of Sri Lanka in January this year, which included his maiden List A century.
“We have been delighted to watch the continued improvement of Josh Little and Lorcan Tucker – both of whom will now be in the running to make their debuts in one-day international cricket,” said White. “Josh gives us that left-arm pace variation and he has continued to impress with some consistent performances – we believe he can transfer his T20 skills into the one-day arena.
Gabriel, Dowrich drafted into West Indies ODI squad for Ireland tri-series
“As for Lorcan, fans of Irish cricket have seen some stellar performances by him over the first few months of the year, most notably in Sri Lanka and La Manga. While he has been on our radar and around the senior squad in recent times, we’ve started to see greater confidence and consistency in his approach, and he is definitely one of those putting his hand up at the moment.”
Ireland play a one-off ODI against England in Dublin on May 3. Following this, they also host the tri-series featuring West Indies and Bangladesh from May 5 to May 17. The tri-series will see each team take on each other twice, with the top two making it to the final.
Meanwhile, Chase, Singh and James Cameron-Dow, along with other players, will have the chance to push their case for selection for the second half of the tri-series as they are part of the Ireland A team which will face Bangladesh on May 5.
“As a testament to the increasing depth of talent we have at present, there are numerous players who have been unfortunate to miss out on this squad, however through the Wolves match they will have a chance to push for higher honours in the latter half of the Tri-Series and beyond,” said White. “The reason we have only confirmed a squad for the first half of the Tri-Series is to give the selectors the opportunity to take into consideration the performances in the Wolves fixture and also in case there are any changes to pitch conditions
“With the Wolves match against Bangladesh on at the same day as Ireland plays West Indies, this will provide Selectors will be a rare opportunity to see 22 of the best Irish cricketers playing at the same time against world-class opposition.”
Ireland squad: William Porterfield (c), Andrew Balbirnie, George Dockrell, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker, Gary Wilson
