(Cricket news) Ireland has today announced a 12-player squad for Ireland Academy’s three-day match against England Under-19s to be played in Loughborough from 16-18 August. This is the second of three such red-ball tours planned this summer and forms part of Ireland’s preparations for its return Test cricket.

The squad is: James McCollum (Waringstown) (captain), Cade Carmichael (Instonians), David Delany (Clontarf), Matthew Foster (CSNI), Alistair Frost (Malahide), Mike Frost (Malahide), Matthew Humphreys (Lisburn), Phillippe le Roux (Railway Union), Scott Macbeth (St Johnston), Neil Rock (Rush), Muzamil Sherzad (North Kildare), Tim Tector (YMCA).

Head coach: Pete Johnston
Assistant coach: Albert van der Merwe

Pete Johnston, National Academy and Performance Manager, said: “This will be the second time the Academy have played England U19’s at Loughborough in recent times. Loughborough is a world-class facility and an excellent cricket environment, so I am very confident that the squad will benefit greatly from the experience – not to mention the broader benefits of getting to train, recover and play in the context of red ball multi-day cricket against strong opposition. 

“The squad is again well-balanced giving opportunity to five players that featured in the Under-19 World Cup back in January, while the tour will act as an opportunity to provide a few more-experienced players – like James McCollum, Neil Rock and David Delany – some valuable game time given they have not been part of recent international squads.

“The tour is also an opportunity for some new faces in the seam and spin departments to broaden their development and education in the game against high-quality opposition.

“We would like to thank the England and Wales Cricket Board for their support and working with us to put this fixture on.”

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