Josh Little Ruled Out – Graham Hume Replaces for Ireland T20I Series

Josh Little Withdrawn from Ireland vs West Indies T20I Series, Graham Hume Called Up

Josh Little Withdrawn from West Indies T20I Series, Hume Named Replacement

As Ireland prepares to host the West Indies in a crucial three-match T20I series starting June 12 at Bready Cricket Club, the home team has been dealt a late blow with the withdrawal of key pacer Josh Little due to a training-related niggle. In his place, experienced seamer Graham Hume has been drafted into the Ireland T20I squad, offering an opportunity for the 33-year-old to contribute in what promises to be a highly competitive home series.

Ireland skipper Paul Stirling confirmed the development during a press interaction on the eve of the series opener, stating that Little felt discomfort during a practice session and will return to England to recover and prepare for upcoming commitments. Stirling’s tone reflected a mix of disappointment and realism, acknowledging that such last-minute changes, while disruptive, open doors for other players to step up.

Josh Little’s Injury: A Setback Ahead of a Key Series

Josh Little’s injury comes as a significant setback to Ireland’s bowling unit, especially considering his stature as one of the team’s premier fast bowlers in white-ball formats. With experience in global leagues including the IPL, The Hundred, and various international assignments, Little brings pace, control, and T20 expertise that few others in the Irish setup can match.

His most recent appearances in the Indian Premier League 2025 with Gujarat Titans had shown glimpses of a return to rhythm after a heavy international workload earlier in the year. However, with T20 World Cup qualification events and domestic leagues on the horizon, the Irish team management has opted for precaution over risk. The decision is likely a strategic one, keeping in mind Little’s long-term availability and recovery.

Graham Hume: From Backup to Breakthrough Opportunity

In comes Graham Hume, a reliable right-arm seamer who has been quietly making his case through consistent performances in domestic and A-team matches. Known for his control, movement off the seam, and ability to bowl effectively at different phases of the innings, Hume’s inclusion might not be a like-for-like replacement in terms of pace, but it certainly adds a layer of stability and experience to the bowling attack.

Having previously featured in both ODI and T20I squads for Ireland, Hume brings knowledge of West Indies’ style of play and has often been praised for his professionalism and discipline. With over 200 first-class and List A wickets to his name, the North West Warriors pacer will be keen to grab this unexpected opportunity and stake his claim for future selection in a squad that is increasingly competitive across formats.

Stirling Backs Squad Depth Amid Late Change

Ireland captain Paul Stirling was pragmatic in his assessment of the situation. “Josh had a niggle yesterday at training and pulled up. So unfortunately, he's missing out. He's going back to England now to prepare over there, to try and get himself right,” said Stirling. “Graham Hume comes in for him. So unfortunately, that's one more change that seems to be the order of the day recently. Again, with all these things, as with the ODIs, it brings opportunities for players who maybe didn't expect to be around.”

Stirling’s words reflect the challenges faced by teams dealing with a tight calendar, injuries, and constant reshuffling, but also speak to the depth that Ireland has developed in recent years. With multiple players capable of stepping up, the captain remains confident that the team can adjust and remain competitive against a powerful West Indies outfit.

Series Context: Ireland vs West Indies at Bready

The Ireland vs West Indies T20I series is more than just a bilateral contest — it serves as an essential marker in Ireland’s preparations for the upcoming ICC events. Hosted at the scenic Bready Cricket Club in Magheramason, Northern Ireland, the matches on June 12, 14, and 15 will be played in front of packed crowds, with tickets reportedly selling quickly.

TNT Sports will provide comprehensive coverage across the UK and Ireland, while international fans can follow the series on platforms such as Rush (Caribbean), SuperSport (Africa), FanCode (India), and Tapmad (Pakistan). Live scoring and match details will also be available through the Cricket Ireland website, ensuring fans stay connected with every ball.

Opportunity for Ireland’s Youth to Shine

The current Ireland squad still boasts plenty of talent, even in the absence of Josh Little. With bowlers like Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Ben White, and now Graham Hume, Ireland’s bowling unit has both aggression and control. Meanwhile, the batting lineup, led by Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, and Ross Adair, carries enough firepower to challenge any opposition.

The absence of Little will also allow the coaching staff to evaluate combinations and push emerging bowlers to shoulder added responsibility — an invaluable experience for a side eyeing sustained T20 growth.

Ireland Squad for West Indies Series

The 14-man squad includes Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Gavin Hoey, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Matthew Humphreys, Graham Hume, Barry McCarthy, Liam McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, and Ben White. The team reflects a well-balanced mix of youth, experience, and format specialists, with a coaching group focused on tactical flexibility.

As the series begins, all eyes will be on how Ireland adjusts its gameplan without Little — and how Graham Hume’s call-up might quietly shape the story of the series.

Final Word: From Setback to Silver Lining

While Josh Little’s injury casts a temporary shadow, Ireland’s focus remains sharply fixed on making the most of home advantage and executing under pressure. As Paul Stirling leads his men into a series filled with expectations and excitement, the team knows that adaptability — both in personnel and performance — will be the key to success.

With Graham Hume’s inclusion, Ireland not only maintains a strong bowling lineup but also strengthens the narrative that in modern cricket, opportunity can come knocking at any moment — and those prepared for it can rise and make it count.