In a bid to bolster its ranks for the impending clash against Afghanistan, Ireland has named Matthew Foster in its Test and one-day international squads, sparking anticipation for his potential debut.
The much-anticipated multi-format series is set to commence with a Test match on February 28, followed by a series of three ODIs and three Twenty20 matches in the UAE.
Foster’s inclusion adds an element of excitement to the Irish squad, alongside prospects like Barry McCarthy, Theo van Woerkom, and Craig Young, who are also eyeing their Test debuts.
Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling will shoulder the responsibility of leading the Test and limited-overs sides respectively, as Ireland braces itself for the challenging encounters ahead.
Speaking on the selection, Ireland selector Andrew White expressed confidence in the team’s familiarity with the conditions, citing their extensive experience in the region over the past decade.
He highlighted the squad’s recent training camp in Spain and emphasized the importance of acclimatization and preparation in the Middle Eastern conditions, underscoring the significance of the series in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup.
With eyes set on a promising summer ahead, White anticipated a fiercely contested series against Afghanistan, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
The squads for the series have been finalized as follows:
Test Squad:
- Mark Adair
- Andrew Balbirnie (captain)
- Curtis Campher
- George Dockrell
- Matthew Foster
- Graham Hume
- Andy McBrine
- Barry McCarthy
- James McCollum
- PJ Moor
- Paul Stirling
- Harry Tector
- Lorcan Tucker
- Theo van Woerkom
- Craig Young
ODI Squad:
- Mark Adair
- Andrew Balbirnie
- Curtis Campher
- Gareth Delany
- George Dockrell
- Matthew Foster
- Graham Hume
- Andy McBrine
- Barry McCarthy
- Neil Rock
- Paul Stirling (captain)
- Harry Tector
- Lorcan Tucker
- Theo van Woerkom
- Craig Young
T20I Squad:
- Mark Adair
- Ross Adair
- Andrew Balbirnie
- Curtis Campher
- Gareth Delany
- George Dockrell
- Graham Hume
- Josh Little
- Barry McCarthy
- Neil Rock
- Paul Stirling (captain)
- Harry Tector
- Lorcan Tucker
- Ben White
- Craig Young
The schedule for the series is as follows:
- February 28 – March 3: Test in Abu Dhabi, 10 am.
- March 7, 9 & 12: ODIs in Sharjah, 3.30 pm.
- March 15, 17 & 18: T20Is in Sharjah, 8 pm.
As the countdown to the series begins, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the spectacle that promises thrilling cricket action and intense competition between Ireland and Afghanistan.