Cricket:The Ireland squads to take on the West Indies A at Stormont and the Netherlands in the World Cricket League were announced today.
Captain William Porterfield, Niall O’Brien and Boyd Rankin all miss the games due to commitments with their respective county sides. Gary Kidd and Peter Connell are also out of the squad to play Australia in the RSA Challenge one-day international at Clontarf on Thursday.
Off spinner and all-rounder Albert van der Merwe is named in the senior squad for the first time, as is fast bowler Craig Young. Andrew Poynter was drafted into both squads following his impressive start to the season for both club and Ireland A.
“The county players have one and four day games over the period, so we have to plan without them,” said Ireland coach Phil Simmons. “It’s always a balancing act with the counties, and we’ve got bigger games ahead. The Bangladesh games are vital in terms of ranking points, and in testing ourselves against teams who are above us at the minute. It’ll also give us a chance to try out new players.
“We’re looking at alternatives in the bowling. The quick bowling is our weakest area, so it’s a chance for us to try out Craig Young to see what he can do, and also for Phil Eaglestone who has been on the periphery now for a few seasons.
“In the spin department, Albert van der Merwe has started the season well with his club, so he’ll get his opportunity. It’ll be a chance too for me to see Rory McCann with Niall (O’Brien) unavailable.”
Simmons admitted the squad may not look the strongest but emphasised the majority started games in the ICC World Twenty20. With certain players unavailable he also suggested it gives other the chance to impress ahead of next year’s World Cup.
“The World Cup is really our primary focus at the minute. We’ve got to see what depth we have for that,” added the coach.
Ireland squads:
World Cricket League Division 1 – Netherlands (July 1st-10th)
Trent Johnston (captain) (Railway Union), Andre Botha (North County), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), George Dockrell (Leinster), Phil Eaglestone (Strabane), Nigel Jones (CSNI), Rory McCann (Instonians), John Mooney (North County), Kevin O’Brien (Railway Union), Andrew Poynter (Clontarf), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Albert van der Merwe (The Hills), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey), Craig Young (Bready).
RSA Series v West Indies A games (June 23rd and 25th at Stormont)
Trent Johnston (captain) (Railway Union), Andre Botha (North County), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), George Dockrell (Leinster), Phil Eaglestone (Strabane), Nigel Jones (CSNI), John Mooney (North County), Kevin O’Brien (Railway Union), Andrew Poynter (Clontarf), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Albert van der Merwe (The Hills), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey).