Ireland named T20I squad for India series

Stephen Doheny and Conor Olphert, both uncapped, have been included to Ireland's 14-man team for the two T20Is against India at home. While the two players were chosen based on their recent league form, allrounders Simi Singh and Shane Getkate were left out of the team that featured in the T20 World Cup Qualifier previously this year.

The two games, planned for June 26 and 28, will kick off a long and exciting summer for Ireland, which will also include visits from New Zealand, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

Ireland T20I Squad: Andrew Balbirnie (C), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Paul Stirling, Gareth Delany, Craig Young, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Conor Olphert, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker

Andrew White, Chair of National Men’s Selectors,Ireland said:

“There aren’t many better challenges for a new national coach to have than to start your tenure against the world’s number one-ranked T20I side, India. Heinrich [Malan] has been working hard since his arrival in Ireland, criss-crossing the island, getting to know the players and familiarising himself with the growing depth of talent we have here – and it’s this growing depth of talent that has made a challenging selection process for the first fixtures of the men’s home season.

“The T20I squad features a familiar core to the squad, but it’s pleasing to see a number of new faces earn their call-ups in Stephen Doheny and Conor Olphert. Both Warriors’ players have impressed at inter-provincial level this season with consistent performances, while Doheny has also come off the back of a good tour of Namibia with the Ireland Wolves. Olphert has bowled quickly, particularly on good wickets at Comber last month, and his selection gives as an opportunity to look at him as a tactical option given what lies ahead for the rest of the year.

“As always, there are numerous players who could probably consider themselves unlucky not to make these squads but runs and wickets are the currency we look for and the selectors believe we have picked squads that recognise and reward consistent form and performance on the field.”