DUBLIN: Ireland is set to play only their second Test match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi in late February. Andrew Balbirnie will lead the test side, while Paul Stirling will captain the white-ball teams.
Matthew Foster, a promising seamer yet to make his international debut, has been included in both the Test and ODI squads.
Additionally, Barry McCarthy, Theo van Woerkom, and Craig Young have earned spots in the Test squad, potentially marking their debut appearances.
Ireland Vs Afghanistan
Andrew White, selector for the Ireland men’s team, remarked that given our extensive cricketing experience in this region over the past decade, the players should find the conditions somewhat familiar, primarily in the white-ball formats.
He added that despite a 12-week interval, the squad enters this series with confidence and momentum following a successful tour of Zimbabwe in December.
Our preparations have been thorough,” White continued. The team underwent a productive training camp in Spain last week, and we plan to send the players to the UAE five days ahead of the series to adapt and train in Middle Eastern conditions.
White reflected on the squad’s transformation since their last encounter with Afghanistan in a three-format series in 2019, noting, “Our squad has undergone significant changes since our last meeting. Only five players from the starting XI in 2019 are included in this squad. While our current lineup boasts a younger age profile, they are more experienced and attuned to the demands of multi-day cricket.”
The Test squad comprises Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie (c), 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, and Craig Young.
The ODI squad includes Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Foster, Graham Hume, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Paul Stirling (c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Theo van Woerkom, and Craig Young.
For T20Is, the squad features Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Paul Stirling (c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, and Craig Young.
