Table of Contents
Ireland have unveiled their 15-member squad for the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series against England, set to kick off on September 20 at Headingley in Leeds. The Irish team, led by opening batter Paul Stirling, aims to put up a strong performance against the English side.
One of the most notable inclusions in the squad is the New Zealand-born left-arm spinner, Theo van Woerkom. His addition bolsters Ireland’s spin bowling department and provides additional options for the team’s strategy.
Changes in Batting Line-up
In a strategic move, the Irish team has made significant changes to its top-order batting lineup. Paul Stirling, a formidable opener, will continue to lead the side and open the batting alongside former Irish skipper Andrew Balbirnie. This change is expected to provide the team with a strong foundation at the top of the order.
Also READ: Asia Cup 2023 – Pakistan unveils their playing XI for marquee clash against India
Moreover, all-rounder Curtis Campher has been promoted to the pivotal number 3 position in the batting lineup. Campher’s ability to handle pace and his overall technique make him a suitable candidate for this role. He has been a consistent performer in the middle order and is now being entrusted with a more prominent batting role.
Andrew White, Ireland men’s national selector, expressed his thoughts on the changes to the squad and the upcoming series, saying, “While the squad has an overall familiar shape, there are several important changes we are going to look at. The key changes are at the top of the order where Andrew Balbirnie will open with Paul Stirling. The pair has a great understanding, and we believe they can develop into a longer-term opening option in the 50-over game.”
“Along with this, Curtis Campher will make the move to number 3, where we believe he has the technique and aptitude to succeed in the role – he plays pace as well as anyone in the squad, and whilst he has been a mainstay of our middle order for a few years now, we believe he has the capability to bat higher up the order and have a really positive impact. We see this series as important in the development and evolution of our one-day squad, and the players are certainly looking forward to locking horns with England for the first time in ODIs since 2020,” added White.
Also WATCH: Sameer Rizvi’s brilliant ton outshines Swastik Chikara’s hundred in UPT20 League
Ireland squad for England ODIs:
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Theo van Woerkom, Craig Young.
