Barry McCarthy is in line to make his senior Ireland debut in the upcoming KPC Group ODI Series against Sri Lanka after an impressive start to the season with Durham in both the county championship and T20 competitions.
The 23-year-old from the Pembroke club in Sandymount claimed a maiden five-wicket haul in first-class cricket for Durham against Lancashire last month and has claimed three-wicket hauls in their last two T20 games, including three for 27 in Monday’s 66-run over Nottinghamshire at Chester-le-Street.
There's no place for in-form Merrion and Leinster Lightning batsman John Anderson, who already has over 900 runs to his name this season, although Ireland coach John Bracewell name-checked the South African-born player along with seamer Graeme McCarter as pushing hard for a place.
Reacting to his call-up, McCarthy said: “It has been a great last couple of weeks and this news has really put the icing on the cake for me. It’s been brilliant to play first-team cricket at Durham and to achieve success too, which has given me great confidence should I get a chance against Sri Lanka.”
Bracewell welcomed McCarthy into the squad saying: “Barry has been in tremendous form with Durham and deserves his opportunity. He’s a powerful cricketer who will fit in well with the squad.
“There are a few players who are unlucky to miss out, most notably Graeme McCarter who has been the form bowler in the Interprovincial series to date, and John Anderson.”
Bracewell explained the rationale in keeping faith with the majority of the current squad – seven of whom have made more than 100 international appearances.
“Whilst we as selectors are not afraid to take a punt, continuity is also important. The side selected are proven performers at this level and with a busy summer of cricket we believe starting the season with a strong core of hardened internationals is the place to start.
“John Anderson and Graeme McCarter are putting the players on notice and that is what we want.”
Craig Young (elbow) and Andrew Balbirnie (hip) are not available due to injury.
IRELAND (squad for KPC series v Sri Lanka, June 16th and 18th, Malahide): William Porterfield (Warwickshire, capt), George Dockrell (Leinster Lightning), Ed Joyce (Sussex), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Andrew McBrine (North-West Warriors), Barry McCarthy (Durham), Kevin O'Brien (Leinster Lightning/Leicestershire), Niall O'Brien (Leicestershire), Stuart Poynter (Durham), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Stuart Thompson (North-West Warriors), Gary Wilson (Surrey).
