(Cricket news) The Ireland Men’s ICC T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier squad includes Paul Stirling (Capt), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
Stirling has led Ireland 13 times across different formats consisting of 4 ODIs and 9 T20s in a caretaker capacity Stirling was also named as captain in a 14th match that ended as a ‘No result’. He takes over after Andrew Balbirnie stepped down from the white-ball captaincy lately. Stirling is rapidly nearing Kevin O’Brien’s record as the most capped Irish cricketer and has been a virtual mainstay in the Ireland Men’s team since his debut in 2008.
Andrew White, National Men’s Selector, commented, “While we are all disgruntled that Ireland Men will not make an appearance at the 50-over World Cup this year, we must refocus quickly on the upcoming qualification campaign. I know the coaches and players don’t need any additional motivation, they will be fired up and looking to make amends.
“I have no doubt Paul will step seamlessly into the captaincy role and as vice-captain, he was already a senior player we engaged with regularly. His insights and experience have always been welcome and I look forward to working closely with him over the coming months.
“I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Andrew for his service to Ireland Cricket as captain. I always enjoyed engaging with Andrew around selection and succession planning and wish him well going forward.
“The Ireland squad has a familiar shape to it, albeit we are pleased to welcome Neil Rock back into the senior squad. Neil Rock has had an excellent domestic campaign and earned a recall off the back of a continued run of form with the bat and continues to display efficiency and quality with the gloves.
“Ross Adair has likewise shown how dangerous a player he is at the domestic level he is an exciting talent, only new to the international stage, but his 65 against Zimbabwe back in January demonstrated the destructive ability he has in this format and will going to be spectacular batter for Ireland Cricket team.”
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