Murtagh rested, Joyce and McBrine recalled
Ireland fast bowler Tim Murtagh will be afforded an extended rest period after he was not named in Ireland’s squad for the ODI tri-series against Scotland and UAE in Dubai next month.
Murtagh will be replaced in the squad by the recalled Andy McBrine who last featured for Ireland in March.
Off-spinner McBrine was part of the Ireland A squad that toured Bangladesh in October.
Ed Joyce has recovered from the knee injury that saw him miss Ireland’s Intercontinental Cup clash with Afghanistan last month.
The tournament will serve as a tune up for the World Cup qualifying tournament which will be held in Zimbabwe in March.
Chairman of selectors Andrew White said: “We can’t underestimate how good the series win in Sharjah was against Afghanistan. It was undoubtedly one of the most satisfying for the players and staff in recent times.
“We’ve opted to leave Tim Murtagh at home to prepare for the long tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe as the staff continue to manage his workload.
ALSO READ: U19WC vital for associate nations
Former South Africa and Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford has taken over Ireland’s men’s team and is eager to get to work with his squad.
Ford said: “The lads will be looking to build up more positive momentum prior to the World Cup Qualifiers, gaining confidence from those recent wins in the last month.
“There is plenty of hard work needed through this crucial preparation period. The players are very much up for it and realise the importance of making the most of this game time in the sunshine and outdoor facilities.”
Ireland Squad: William Porterfield (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Jacob Mulder, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson.
Odds: Virgin games promo code
Tri-Nations Series
Ireland v UAE, 11 January
Ireland v UAE, 13 January
Ireland v Scotland, 16 January
Ireland v Scotland, 18 January
Latest
-
NewsWill Jacks leads Surrey to opening Blast victory over Middlesex
Opener Finn Allen made an unbeaten 73 to lead Lancashire to victory.
-
NewsCrowd brings colour back to Edgbaston as England avoid batting collapse
The ground welcomed 18,000 fans on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand.
-
NewsRory Burns impressed with Dan Lawrence’s innings at Edgbaston
Lawrence finished unbeaten on 67.
-
NewsRory Burns and Dan Lawrence come to England rescue as fans flock to Edgbaston
Burns made 81 and Lawrence an unbeaten 67 on day one of the second Test.
-
NewsRory Burns stands firm for England after New Zealand hit back in second Test
Burns was unbeaten on 73 as England went to tea on 152 for four at Edgbaston.
-
NewsOllie Robinson takes a ‘short break’ from cricket
The 27-year-old’s Test debut was overshadowed by historical racist and sexist tweets being unearthed.
-
NewsDom Sibley and Rory Burns give England solid start to second Test
The two openers put on 67 in the morning session against New Zealand at at Edgbaston
-
NewsA look at James Anderson’s record and where he stands among England greats
The Lancastrian is England’s all-time top wicket-taker.
-
NewsJames Anderson replaces Sir Alastair Cook as England’s most-capped Test player
The 38-year-old bowler was making his 162nd Test appearance in the second Test against New Zealand at Edgbaston.
-
NewsEmily Arlott as shocked as anyone she received England call-up for India Test
The 23-year-old Central Sparks seamer helped her side thrash defending champions Southern Vipers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.