The Lightning fell agonisingly short in a T20 chase against the Northern Knights on Monday June 24th but don’t have long to wait for revenge against the same opposition.
On Thursday they return to Inter-Provincial 50-over Cup action when the Knights once again visit Pembroke Cricket Club.
The Lightning have named a strong 12-man squad for the match with the return of two Pembroke players a welcome boost.
Barry McCarthy has recovered from the chest infection which kept him out of the Middlesex and T20 Festival matches and will therefore be itching to get back into competitive action.
Josh Little also returns the 50-over squad having missed the trip to Bready, YMCA’s Fionn Hand and Rory Anders are the two players to step out this time.
This will be the second meeting of these sides in the IP50 this season, after the Lightning defeated the visitors by six wickets in La Manga in April.
On that occasion, two of Pembroke’s finest guided the side home with Andrew Balbirnie striking 125 and Lorcan Tucker 81.
This match will also mark the first match in sole charge for new Lightning Head Coach Nigel Jones.
“I’d like to congratulate the 12 that have been selected to face the Knights and welcome back Barry McCarthy after his recent chest infection,” said Jones when announcing the squad.
“It’s been pleasing coming into my new role, having the backing and support of Cricket Leinster and the squad themselves. I’ve enjoyed my couple of weeks so far and I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.
Coming into a dressing room that has a strong culture and closeness is very exciting and I’m looking to continue the good work that has already been done.
“There is an expectation of performance from the Lightning squad and I’m looking forward to also helping the Bolts grow which will underpin a strong brand of Lightning cricket over the coming years.
“Full credit to Albert van der Merwe for having the vision and indeed the backing of Cricket Leinster to get the Bolts programme up and running as I see this being a key part of the progression and development of the Lightning.”
The Leinster Lightning face the Northern Knights at Pembroke Cricket Club on Thursday June 27th with a 10.45am start.
Leinster Lightning Squad