Cricket:Opening batsman Niall McDonnell is the only new face in a 14-man Ireland squad to face Pakistan in two one-day internationals later this month. Coach Phil Simmons has largely stuck with the team which competed at this year's World Cup.
Andre Botha, who announced his retirement earlier this month, and the injured George Dockrell are the only absentees from the squad that travelled to India.
“Everyone is aware of the importance of these games, not just in terms of ranking points, but also in the bigger scheme of things with a decision pending on a qualification tournament for the 2015 World Cup,” Simmons said this morning.
“Two more strong performances against Pakistan will help in that regard.”
Ireland will face Pakistan at Stormont on May 28th and 30th.
Ireland squad:William Porterfield (captain), Alex Cusack, Trent Johnston, Nigel Jones, Ed Joyce, Niall McDonnell, John Mooney, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Albert Van der Merwe, Andrew White, Gary Wilson.