Simmons positive despite injury setbacks

Ireland

Ireland coach Phil Simmons has refused to let some late injury setback dampen his mood ahead of the training tour to Australia, saying younger players will now get a chance to shine.

Ireland are going Down Under to prepare for the World Cup in February, but have been hit by injuries to Max Sorensen, and Paul Stirling is a doubt with a back injury. Graeme McCarter replaced Sorensen in the squad.

Ireland are also without star batsman Ed Joyce, who has been rested after a long County season, while Alex Cusack and George Dockrell are traveling but have only just recovered from serious injuries.

Simmons said in the Belfast Telegraph: “It’s better knowing now, rather than on Wednesday or Thursday. It will give other guys a chance to push for places.

“With Joyce not going, it’s a chance for a batsman, with Max not available, it’s a chance for a seamer. For example, Graeme McCarter is now on the trip, is going to get four or five games and it’s up to him to show us what he can do.”

Ireland will play Queensland twice, first up, on 30 September at the Gold Coast, and then New South Wales twice too, followed by a trip to Hamilton in New Zealand to face Northern Districts.

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