Ireland have left out Simi Singh from their 14-man squad to face India in Dublin later this month as two new faces in Stephen Doheny and Conor Olphert have been called up. Singh, who has been a mainstay of the Irish side in both T20 and One Day International cricket over the last number of years, misses out as Ireland have opted to shift the balance of their side, picking just one front-line spinner in Andy McBrine.
The move signals a show of confidence in Gareth Delany who is set to see a greater bowling load as a leg-spin option. Paul Stirling is another part-time spin option while Harry Tector has been bowling off-spin of late for the Leinster Lightning.
Bready quick Conor Olphert is the bowling option called up at Singh’s expense, the 25 year-old being one of the faster bowlers on display in this year’s interpros. His career T20 economy at domestic level sits at 7.3 runs an over, but his pace to go with a strike rate of a wicket every 12.5 balls in his short career so far has caught the eye of new head coach Heinrich Malan.
Olphert’s North West Warriors teammate Stephen Doheny is the other new man in the squad. The former Rush batter is averaging just over 43 with the bat across both formats this year and has largely been the form opening bat across the four provincial sides.
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Doheny replaces Warriors teammate Shane Getkate from the squad that secured a place at the T20 World Cup at February’s qualifies in Oman. The middle-order player did impress in his last outing for the Warriors with an unbeaten 46 off just 26 deliveries against the Northern Knights last week, but injury issues have curtailed his playing time during the early stages of the season.
Another Bready man, Craig Young, is seen as fit enough to be involved after just making a comeback from a long-term hand injury only last weekend. Josh Little has also put an elbow issue behind him to make the list of 14.
Despite their dominance of the 50 and 20-over competitions this year, the Munster Reds have not seen their number of representatives in the squad go up as Curtis Campher and Gareth Delany continue to fly the flag for Ted Williamson’s team. Kevin O’Brien’s absence continues despite his move to the Reds in a bid to resurrect his international career.
Ireland squad for T20 series vs India
Andrew Balbirnie (Captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Conor Olphert, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
Ireland Men v India Men T20I series
Sunday 26th June: Ireland v India, 1st T20I (Malahide)
Tuesday 28th June: Ireland v India, 2nd T20I (Malahide)
