Paul Stirling returns to Ireland ODI squad for West Indies

Ireland have named a 14-man squad for their One-Day International clash with the West Indies at Stormont in two weeks’ time.

The Irish have two notable absentees, as Barry McCarthy is ruled out with a fractured right thumb, while Craig Young (elbow) is also on the injured list.

"It's disappointing that both Barry and Craig are ruled out but we have other options in the seam bowling department," said Cricket Ireland Head Coach John Bracewell.

“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.

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"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."

The West Indies thrilling win in the second Test against England this week showed just how exciting and talented a group of players they have assembled under Head Coach Stuart Law, and Bracewell admitted it will be a tough challenge for his team, but one that they're all looking forward to.

"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.”

Ireland have a good one-day record against the West Indies, beating them in the 2015 World Cup in New Zealand as well as at Stormont in 2004. No mention of the history between the two sides would be complete without a mention of perhaps one of the most famous days in Irish history as they skittled the West Indies for just 25 at Sion Mills in 1969.

The match takes place at Stormont on Wednesday September 13th, and match and ticketing information is available on the official Cricket Ireland website www.cricketireland.ie or www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Ireland: William Porterfield (Captain) (Warwickshire/Warriors), John Anderson (Merrion/ Lightning), Andrew Balbirnie (Pembroke/Lightning), Peter Chase (Malahide/Lightning), George Dockrell (Leinster/Lightning), Ed Joyce (Merrion/Lightning), Jacob Mulder (CIYMS/Knights), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Kevin O'Brien (Railway Union/Lightning), Niall O'Brien (Nantwich/Warriors), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Simi Singh (YMCA/Lightning), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Gary Wilson (Derbyshire/Knights).