Cricket: Middlesex bowler Tim Murtagh has flown to Dubai as cover for Ireland's Alex Cusack ahead of the first play-off game against Canada at the World Twenty20 qualifiers tomorrow morning.
Murtagh, 30, recently acquired an Irish passport through the grandparent rule and was named in the list of replacement players prior to the tournament.
He arrived from London this morning where he has been preparing for the county season and took part in Middlesex’s recent pre-season tour to South Africa.
All-rounder Cusack has been receiving treatment for a groin strain and Ireland coach Phil Simmons will make a decision on his fitness before the start of tomorrow’s game at the Dubai International Stadium.
After finishing Group B in second place, Ireland now face three must-win games if they are to secure the remaining spot at next September’s World Twenty20 finals.
Setanta Sports have announced they have secured the rights to the play-off series at the tournament and begin their coverage with Ireland’s clash against Canada tomorrow morning, a game that is scheduled to start at 6am Irish time, with coverage beginning at 5.30am on Setanta Ireland.
They will also cover the first qualifying final tomorrow between Afghanistan and Namibia, who pipped Ireland to top spot in Group B.
If Ireland beat Canada tomorrow they will face the winners of the game between the Netherlands and Scotland on Friday morning at 6am.
The winners of that game will face the losers of the first qualifying final on Saturday for the second spot in the finals. All the games will be covered live on Setanta.
