Picture Credit: Twitter/@cricketireland
Ireland have announced the ODI and T20Is squads for the forthcoming fixtures against Zimbabwe which will begin on August 27 in Dublin. All players except Stephen Doheny have been retained in the squad that played against South Africa. Meanwhile, all-rounder Curtis Campher has received his maiden call-up for Ireland in the T20I format. Doheny had sustained an ankle injury but has recovered and been recalled. Moreover, veteran cricketer William Porterfield has also returned to the ODI scheme of things after sustaining an injury in the South Africa series.
The white-ball series is being identified as a significant part of the home team's preparation in the build-up to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in October. Moreover, the 50-over matches also form part of the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.
The chair of the national men's selectors, Andrew White, also laid emphasis on the fact that the increased flexibility required during the T20 World Cup as well as the final preparations for the world event will happen during these fixtures.
We want to provide as much playing time for the players in T20 format as possible: Andrew White
"Given the T20 World Cup starting in two months we want to provide as much playing time for the players in this format as possible," White was quoted as saying in an ICC release.
"While we have kept faith with the squad that played in the recent South Africa series, we have additionally brought Curtis Campher in for his first call-up for Ireland in the T20 format. Curtis is back bowling following his injury and will add a dynamic batting and bowling presence to the squad. His inclusion will provide Graham Ford and Andrew Balbirnie with increased flexibility as they look to finalise their plans ahead of the World Cup," he added.
Ireland T20I Squad: Andrew Balbirnie (Captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, William McClintock, Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
Ireland ODI Squad: Andrew Balbirnie (Captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Graham Kennedy, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, William Porterfield, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.