Published: Aug 24, 2016, 09:30 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 24, 2016, 09:30 AM (IST)
Uncapped players Joshua Little and Lorcan Tucker have been included in Ireland‘s 13-man squad for two Twenty20 (T20Is) against Hong Kong next month. In a bid to swap experience for youth, Ireland brought in Greg Thompson, James Shannon, Sean Terry and David Rankin, while leaving out Paul Stirling, Niall O’Brien, Tim Murtagh, Stuart Poynter and Gary Wilson. Left-arm fast bowler Little and wicketkeeper Tucker earned their spots after impressive performances in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, earlier in 2016. Little picked up four wickets in five matches while Tucker was Ireland’s top run-scorer with 222 runs in six games at an average of 44.40. READ PAK vs IRE 2nd ODI abandoned; visitors win series 1-0
According to CricInfo, chairman of selectors Alan Lewis said, “We wanted to bring some freshness to the squad. Left-arm quicks have been hugely successful in T20Is and Josh’s introduction will drive his career forward, we hope. He bowls with pace and is an excellent athlete. Lorcan’s ability to score all around the ground with his 360-degree game, as witnessed at the U19 World Cup, coupled with his wicketkeeping gives us excellent balance.”
Allrounder Thompson, who was Ireland’s youngest player at 16, last played an international game in 2008, but was recalled after stellar performances in the domestic circuit this year.
“Clearing the ropes and strike rates which are vital in this format have proved difficult for us recently but we hope with the re-introduction of the quartet, added to our experience that we can build a new identity to the way we play,” said Lewis. READ: IRE cricket can grow many folds playing overseas
Ireland are scheduled to host Hong Kong for two T20Is in Bready on September 5 and 6.
Ireland squad: William Porterfield (c), Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Joshua Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, David Rankin, James Shannon, Sean Terry, Greg Thompson, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Craig Young
