Max Sorensen replaces injured Tim Murtagh in Ireland World Cup squad

Middlesex opening bowler Tim Murtagh has been ruled out of Ireland's upcoming World Cup campaign in Australia and New Zealand after it was confirmed that he suffered a fractured foot while training in Dubai earlier this month.

His place in the 15-man squad goes to Max Sorensen, who missed out on the original selection after missing an acclimatisation tour before Christmas due to a hand injury.

Murtagh also missed that tour to Australia and New Zealand and the games against New Zealand ’A’ in Dubai before Christmas which saw a return for Sorensen.

Murtagh, 33, suffered the injury at a net session in Dubai on January 7th and underwent surgery on his return to London.

A statement released by Cricket Ireland read: “Following detailed advice from the key medical staff involved, it became clear that Murtagh’s foot would not recover in time for him to play any major part in the tournament. On consideration of this, the national selectors have opted to replace Tim to ensure Ireland have a fully fit squad available from the start of the tournament.”

Sorensen, the 29-year-old South African-born player from The Hills club in Skerries, was already in Dubai as one of five extra seam bowlers that coach Phil Simmons brought with him to work in the nets.

Reacting to the news that he has lost one of his opening bowlers, Simmons said: “It is heart-breaking news for Tim so close to the World Cup and the squad and all staff at Cricket Ireland are thinking of him.

"We are lucky that Max has been out here in Dubai with us as part of a group of fast bowlers working with National Academy manager Craig Hogan, and is well placed to join the squad straight away for what is a tough tournament ahead in Australia and New Zealand."

Sorensen will be in line to play in Monday’s Tri-Series decider against Scotland in Dubai after Ireland lost their chance to claim the title with a game to spare after losing by 71 runs to Afghanistan on Saturday.

Ireland’s World Cup campaign gets underway with a game against West Indies on February 16th at Nelson in New Zealand.