Porterfield's release big boost for Simmons ahead of Scotland clash

CRICKET INTERCONTINENTAL CUP: IRELAND COACH Phil Simmons has been given a considerable boost ahead of today's Intercontinental Cup clash against Scotland after skipper William Porterfield was released by Gloucestershire to join the squad for the four-day game in Aberdeen.

The 24-year-old is surplus to requirements for his side’s County Championship fixture against Leicestershire this week, with Simmons more than happy to see the gifted opening batsman lead the side in the Intercontinental Cup tie and the two One-Day Internationals next weekend.

“William is obviously disappointed at not being involved in the Gloucester four-day team at present, but this game gives him a great opportunity to fine-tune his game and make a big score,” said Simmons. “I have a feeling that Scotland may well experience a bit of a backlash from him. His inclusion further bolsters a strong batting line-up, which may very well be needed on the traditionally seamer-friendly Aberdeen track,” added Simmons.

Porterfield is likely to open the batting with Jeremy Bray, although that will leave Simmons with a decision on whether Paul Stirling will shift Alex Cusack from the number three slot he has made his own in Ireland’s four-day side.

It will be particularly tough on Stirling if he misses out after his maiden first-class century in the drawn game against Kenya last month, but Simmons is unlikely to drop Andrew White due to his all-round capabilities. Simmons must also make a call between Andrew Britton and the uncapped Shane Getkate for the main seamer’s role, with Britton’s performances in last week’s European ‘A’ Championship victory likely to see him make his first-class debut.

Meanwhile, Peter Connell has been included in the 14-man squad for the two One-Day Internationals in Aberdeen after being left out of the squad for the Intercontinental Cup clash. John Mooney also returns for the games after he leads an Ireland ‘A’ squad, that also includes Connell, in their game against the MCC at Lord’s on Wednesday. Jeremy Bray and Andrew Poynter are the two players to drop out from the four-day squad.

IRELAND(Intercontinental Cup squad v Scotland): W Porterfield (Gloucestershire, capt), A Botha (North County), J Bray (The Hills), A Britton (Fox Lodge), A Cusack (Clontarf), S Getkate (Malahide), T Johnston (Railway Union), K McCallan (Waringstown), K O'Brien (Railway Union), P Stirling (Carrickfergus), A Poynter (Clontarf), R West (Civil Service North), A White (Instonians), G Wilson (Surrey).

SCOTLAND(from): G Drummond (capt), F Watts, D Lockhart (wks), Q Sheikh, R Watson, E Chalmers, N McCallum, R Berrington, S Chalmers, M Haq, R Lyons, G Goudie, M Parker, A Evans.

IRELAND(ODI squad v Scotland): W Porterfield (capt), A Botha, A Britton, A Cusack, P Connell (North Down), S Getkate, T Johnston, K McCallan, J Mooney (North County), K O'Brien, P Stirling, R West, G Wilson, A White.

IRELAND 'A'(squad v MCC, Lord's, August 19th): J Mooney (North County, capt), A Balbirnie (Pembroke), P Connell (North Down), G Dockrell (Leinster), C Dougherty (Bready), P Eaglestone (Strabane), J Hall (Waringstown), N Jones (Civil Service North), G Kidd (Waringstown), F McAllister (Malahide, wkts), E Richardson (North County), R Strydom (YMCA).