ANDREW BALBIRNIE will lead Ireland Wolves in their trio of three-day games next month against Gloucestershire Seconds, Scotland A, and MCC YC.
Ireland have named strong squads for the matches, with Ireland Head Coach John Bracewell explaining the rationale behind the selection.
"With the Afghanistan ODI Series now not taking place, the selectors have chosen to select from all available Irish-based players including B-category and Incremental contracted players, as well as the senior Academy group.
"We feel we have found a good balance between medium term development and the short term requirements of preparing players for the Inter-Continental Cup match against the Netherlands in August," added Bracewell.
Wolves coach Peter Johnston welcomed the 9-days of competitive action for his charges, and feels the longer format in particular will benefit the group.
"These fixtures provide three very competitive games in the longer format and coming ahead of the I Cup game against the Netherlands in August they will give a strong squad both opportunity and good preparation.
"Performance in the Inter Provincial Championship combined with on-going training camps for our home based players have helped greatly in the context of selection, which was very competitive.
"There is one eye on our future we hope in Test Cricket and one on the immediate challenges that lie ahead for the senior team.
"The three teams will feature an exciting pace attack with good wicket taking options in terms of spin alongside batters who have good technique, mindset and application in the red ball game.
"By naming the three teams in advance, the challenge for each game will be for our players to execute their required roles in the context of good team performance."
Ireland face Gloucestershire Seconds at Rockhampton from July 4-6, before a home match in Dublin at Claremont Road the following week. They are then back in England at the end of the month when they take on a very strong MCC YC at Southgate CC in London.
IRELAND WOLVES SQUADS
Gloucester 4th – 6th July at Rockhampton CC
Andrew Balbirnie (capt), Peter Chase, David Delany, Jacob Mulder, James McCollum, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Nathan Smith, Jack Tector, Sean Terry, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
Scotland 11-13th July at Claremont Road, YMCA
Andrew Balbirnie (capt), John Anderson, Peter Chase, David Delany, Ed Joyce, Jacob Mulder, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Nathan Smith, Jack Tector, , Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
MCC YC 26-28th July at Southgate CC
Andrew Balbirnie (capt), John Anderson, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, James Shannon, Nathan Smith, Sean Terry, Stuart Thompson, Craig Young.