Ireland have named a 14-man squad for their One-Day International clash with the West Indies at Stormont in two weeks’ time.
The Irish have two notable absentees, as Barry McCarthy is ruled out with a fractured right thumb, while Craig Young (elbow) is also on the injured list.
"It's disappointing that both Barry and Craig are ruled out but we have other options in the seam bowling department," said Cricket Ireland Head Coach John Bracewell.
"Barry fractured his thumb batting in the nets and is expected to be out of action for around 3 or 4 weeks. Craig's recuperation from an ongoing elbow problem is continuing but if surgery is required, which it may be, this could put him out for 8-10 weeks. We should know that for certain very shortly.
"On the plus side we have Paul Stirling and Niall O'Brien back from injury and that will certainly bolster the batting. George Dockrell has been in prolific form in domestic cricket and he is recalled too, which means we have no fewer than six spinning options in the squad."
The West Indies thrilling win in the second Test against England this week showed just how exciting and talented a group of players they have assembled under Head Coach Stuart Law, and Bracewell admitted it will be a tough challenge for his team, but one that they're all looking forward to.
"The West Indies showed incredible character to bounce back after losing the opening Test heavily against England, and showed just how dangerous and talented a side they truly are. They will have double centurion Shai Hope in their ranks for the Belfast clash, and when you add Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels into the mix then it's a very dangerous group of players.
"It'll be a great occasion for players and fans alike, and one that everybody is really looking forward to. It's sure to be a carnival of colour at Stormont."
Ireland have a good one-day record against the West Indies, beating them in the 2015 World Cup in New Zealand as well as at Stormont in 2004. No mention of the history between the two sides would be complete without a mention of perhaps one of the most famous days in Irish history as they skittled the West Indies for just 25 at Sion Mills in 1969.
The match takes place at Stormont on Wednesday September 13th, and match and ticketing information is available on the official Cricket Ireland website www.cricketireland.ie or www.ticketmaster.co.uk
IRELAND SQUAD
William Porterfield (Captain) (Warwickshire/Warriors), John Anderson (Merrion/ Lightning), Andrew Balbirnie (Pembroke/Lightning), Peter Chase (Malahide/Lightning), George Dockrell (Leinster/Lightning), Ed Joyce (Merrion/Lightning), Jacob Mulder (CIYMS/Knights), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Kevin O’Brien (Railway Union/Lightning), Niall O’Brien (Nantwich/Warriors), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Simi Singh (YMCA/Lightning), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Gary Wilson (Derbyshire/Knights).
Ireland Boys U17 v Hampshire
Ireland and Hampshire Under 17's shared the honours in their T20 clashes at Belmont with the visitors winning the first match by four wickets, and the Irish bouncing back to win the second by 8 wickets.
Skipper Harry Tector top scored with 31 as Ireland posted 119 for 7 in the opening game, but it wasn't enough as Hampshire captain Harry Gadd hit 58 to seal the win with three balls to spare.
Varun Chopra (2-23) was the pick of the Irish attack and the Coleraine leg-spinner was to the fore in the afternoon game as he claimed 3 for 18 to leave Hampshire reeling on 41 for 6 in the 11th over.
However, Will Wyatt hit a powerful unbeaten 66 from just 47 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes) as he shared a 7th wicket stand of 75 with Jovan Dhariwal (20) to help their team recover to 122 for 7.
Alex Stiles (11) shared an opening stand of 35 with Marcus Poskitt to get the Irish reply off to a brisk start which was continued by the Coleraine teenager and Rush left-hander Neil Rock.
The pair batted superbly adding 76 for the second wicket with Rock hitting 3 sixes and 2 fours in his 47 from just 38 balls, while Poskitt made an unbeaten 49 from 53 balls (2 fours, 1 six) as the Irish sealed the comprehensive 8-wicket victory.
The teams meet again tomorrow (THURS) in a further two T20 games at the same venue.
IRELAND U17'S V HAMPSHIRE U17'S
Match 1
At Belmont, CIYMS, Hampshire beat Ireland by 4 wickets
Ireland 119-7 (20 overs; H Tector 31; T South 3-26, A Dale 2-23)
Hampshire 121-6 (19.3 overs; H Gadd 58; V Chopra 2-23)
Match 2
At Belmont, CIYMS, Ireland beat Hampshire by 8 wickets
Hampshire 122-7 (20 overs; W Wyatt 66*, J Dhariwal 20; V Chopra 3-18)
Ireland 123-2 (18.4 overs; M Poskitt 49*, N Rock 47)