(Cricket news) Ireland Wolves are set to take on Namibia A in an eight match white ball series from 21 March to 5 April 2022 at the Wanderers Cricket Club in Windhoek. Cricket Ireland has also announced a 16-player squad for the tour which will be captained by Neil Rock who is currently a travelling reserve with the Ireland senior men’s squad.
The series features three T20 matches, followed by five 50-over matches.
The Ireland Wolves squad
Neil Rock (captain) (Rush), Ross Adair (CIYMS), Peter Chase (Malahide), Murray Commins (The Hills), Gareth Delany* (Leinster), Stephen Doheny (Merrion), Matt Ford (Malahide), Shane Getkate (Instonians), Fionn Hand (Clontarf), Graham Hume (Waringstown), Graham Kennedy (CIYMS), Jeremy Lawlor (Carrickfergus), Josh Manley (Lisburn), William McClintock** (Donemana), James McCollum (Waringstown), Ben White (CSNI).
Fixture schedule
21 March: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 1st T20 (Windhoek; start 2pm local time)
23 March: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 2nd T20 (Windhoek; start 2pm local time)
24 March: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 3rd T20 (Windhoek; start 2pm local time)
29 March: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 1st ODM (Windhoek; start 9.30am local time)
30 March: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 2nd ODM (Windhoek; start 9.30am local time)
1 April: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 3rd ODM (Windhoek; start 9.30am local time)
3 April: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 4th ODM (Windhoek; start 9.30am local time)
5 April: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 5th ODM (Windhoek; start 9.30am local time)
Andrew White, Chair of National Men’s Selectors, said: “In selecting this squad, the Selectors had both a medium-to-long term view of identifying emerging talent coming through the system, but also a short-term view of broadening the depth of talent that we may call upon during the upcoming home season. The Wolves programme provides us with an opportunity to challenge players who can potentially step into the senior international set-up with ‘the expectation of being successful’ following strong performances at this level. It creates that vital bridge between domestic and international cricket, and gives players an experience that will – we hope – take their games to the next level.
“The squad selected reflects not only an opportunity for a pool of talented players to hone their skills on a higher stage, but also reflects where these Wolves fixtures sit in the overall cricket calendar. Being just ahead of a busy home season, the tour will allow some senior players to get a greater volume of cricket – the likes of Gareth Delany, Shane Getkate, James McCollum and Ben White need more cricket, and this tour will help us fill that need.
“Neil Rock, who has captained at Ireland Under-19 level, has been around the senior squad for a little while now and understands the standards that will be expected from the Wolves squad. The additional responsibility will also be part of his own personal development, and we believe he will work well with the coaching staff in leading the squad both on and off the field.
“A further benefit of the Wolves programme is that it allows us to target skill sets and player types that we need a greater number of, at senior level. For example, skilful seam bowlers and batters with good game management who are able to find the boundary regularly in the white-ball game are a number of areas we have targeted.
“We welcome Murray Commins officially into the set-up after recently qualifying to play for Ireland, and all being well, Matt Ford can translate his outstanding domestic batting performances onto the representative stage. Fionn Hand has also shown middle-order power-hitting potential, and Ross Adair – who has retired from rugby to concentrate on his cricket – is not only a powerful batter but he is an outstanding athlete and fielder. His left-arm slow bowling also provides good options for the captain.
“We look forward to this exciting tour and wish the squad well.”
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