UTRECHT, Netherlands – Graeme McCarter, almost six years after his last international outing for Ireland, will be determined to make the most of his ‘second chance’ to don the green after a long period of brilliant domestic cricket performances along with starring role for the Ireland Wolves earlier this month paving his way back into the senior squad.
McCarter made his international debut against Namibia in 2011 during a first-class match. He represented Ireland seven times between 2011 and 2015, claiming 7 wickets, including his best figures of 3-13 against Scotland in 2013.
The 28 year old is renowned for his control, movement and swing who often troubles top order batsmen. McCarter represents the Northern Knights in the Inter-Provincial Series. He has played for the Knights on 15 occasions across all formats in the last three seasons, picking 18 wickets at an average of 21.56, conceding just 3.40 runs per over.
However, it was his recent performance in the Ireland Wolves v Netherlands A series in Ireland that caught the selectors attention, where he bagged 9 wickets in three games at a brilliant average of 10.89, with the best figures of 6-32.
Speaking from the team hotel, McCarter, in a press release by Cricket Ireland said: “I was absolutely buzzing when Andrew White [Chair of Selectors] gave me the call, and so excited to get the greens on again. If I have the chance to play, I’ll be pretty proud walking out again, but it’s good to have had that experience of having done it before.”
“I’ve always wanted to play for Ireland again, and it makes it that bit more sweeter having been able to fight my way back in after six years. I never gave up the hope of international cricket, and have probably been bowling the best I ever have these last few years.”
“There have been three main guys in cricket circles who have really helped me get back to this level – Simon Johnston, Ryan Eagleson and James Kennedy. Jonty has been so enthusiastic over the years and he has always backed me. We have a great relationship where he understands my work commitments too and never has an issue when I can’t make a session because he knows I’d be there if I could!”
“Eagy is great from a bowling side of things and it’s always great to pick his brain – we have worked together since I was about 15, so he knows my bowling better than anyone. And finally, JK has been a brilliant mate since playing together at CSNI five years ago – we talk about all things cricket on the golf course too, and he’s helped me through all the good and bad times.”
Asked about his role in the team, he said: “I have always looked at myself as the control bowler in any team, and I have made a point to try and be the most consistent bowler in Ireland over the past few seasons. I’ll never blow a batter over with my pace, but I try to make up for that with accuracy and movement.”
“The big thing for me over here would be just continue what I’ve done to get here and don’t try anything different. The younger me would have thought I need to try loads of things to prove I’m good enough for this level.”
The series will be held in Utrecht, and will feature a three-match ODI series with points earned adding towards qualification for the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023:
2 June 2021: Netherlands Men v Ireland Men – 1st ODI (Utrecht, 10.30am local time)
4 June 2021: Netherlands Men v Ireland Men – 2nd ODI (Utrecht, 10.30am local time)
7 June 2021: Netherlands Men v Ireland Men – 3rd ODI (Utrecht, 10.30am local time)
