The Leinster Lightning today announce several changes to the T20 squad selected for this season’s Test Triangle Interprovincial Series.
Devastating power-hitter Gareth Delany has received an invitation to play for Leicestershire in the upcoming Vitality Blast.
Consequently, he will only be available for the opening T20 against the Munster Reds tomorrow (Thursday 20th August). As per Government guidelines, this game will now take place behind closed doors i.e., with no spectators.
Lightning Head Coach Nigel Jones, while recognising that this is a fantastic opportunity for the player, stressed that this has not had an impact on preparations for regaining the T20 trophy.
“We acknowledge the great opportunity for Gaz (Delany), and wish him well. As a result, however, we can welcome back a young, talented player in a rich vein of form in Stephen Doheny and we are delighted to have him on board.
“We’ve known about the potential for these moves for a period of time, therefore there has been no change in our focus or preparation. We are determined to reach the performance standards that we set as a squad and it is very much business-as-usual in that regard.
“This is something we have been instilling in the players and the wider squad as we know with international and various commitments, a wider number of players need to be prepared to not only step in, but also play a leading role within the team.”
The Lightning Interprovincial campaign gets underway with a T20 fixture against the Munster Reds at 1.30pm on Thursday 20th August.
The squad for tomorrow’s match is outlined below with Andrew Balbirnie taking the captaincy in George Dockrell’s absence on examination leave, Greg Ford coming in for his brother Matt (who has incurred a recent injury) and Barry McCarthy rested as he continues to recuperate from the injury he sustained in the recent ODI series in England.
Leinster Lightning Squad for T20 v Munster Reds Thursday August 20th, Pembroke CC, 1.30pm
Andrew Balbirnie (c) – Pembroke
Rory Anders – YMCA
Curtis Campher – YMCA
Peter Chase – Malahide
Gareth Delany – Leinster
Stephen Doheny – Rush
Greg Ford - Malahide
Tyrone Kane – Merrion
Josh Little – Pembroke
Kevin O’Brien – Railway Union
Simi Singh – YMCA
Lorcan Tucker – Pembroke
Leinster Lightning Squad for T20 Season 2020
George Dockrell (c) - Leinster
Rory Anders – YMCA
Andrew Balbirnie - Pembroke
Curtis Campher – YMCA
Peter Chase – Malahide
Stephen Doheny – Rush
Greg Ford - Malahide
Tyrone Kane – Merrion
Josh Little – Pembroke
Barry McCarthy – Pembroke
Kevin O’Brien – Railway Union
Simi Singh – YMCA
Fiachra Tucker – Pembroke
Lorcan Tucker – Pembroke