World Cup team profile: Ireland
World Cup history
This will be Ireland's third World Cup, having appeared in the last two editions. Their debut in 2007 included upsetting Pakistan, having bowled them out for only 132, and also a hammering of Bangladesh. Four years later, they tipped up England in a remarkable run-chase of 328.
They have left a mark on both tournaments, proved that on their day they can be a serious danger, and have earned the right to be respected.
Best finish: Made the Super 8 stage of the 2007 World Cup.
Squad: William Porterfield (Capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andrew McBrine, John Mooney, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien (wkt), Paul Stirling, Max Sorensen, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young
Key Batsman: Ed Joyce. In the form of his life after scoring 1398 runs at 66.57 in the 2014 County Championship, with seven centuries. Joyce is a calm, experienced head who has averaged 44.38 in ODIs for Ireland since the start of 2012 – including a century against Pakistan.
Key Bowler: The 22 year-old leaft-arm spinner George Dockrell is already an experienced 22-year-old having played 42 ODIs and three full seasons at Somerset. Dockrell is vital to Ireland's chances with his left-arm spin the main variation in an attack containing right-arm seamers, most of them at medium pace. He has an 51 ODI wickets.
Drinks carrier: The 21 right-arm seamer Peter Chase is probably going with for the experience. He has only played in one previous ODI.
Kit colour: Light Green
Injury concerns: Bowler Tim Murtagh has already pulled out of the squad with injury and was replaced by Max Sorensen. No fresh injury concerns within the camp.
Fixtures: February 16, v West Indies, Nelson, February 25, v UAE, Brisbane, March 3, v South Africa, Canberra, March 7, v Zimbabwe, Hobart, March 10, v India, Hamilton, March 15, v Pakistan, Adelaide
Latest
-
NewsJames Anderson at the double on day one in Galle
Sri Lanka may have feared a repeat of their dismal 135 all out from last week.
-
NewsBen Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
Jos Buttler will return home after the first Test as England seek to keep players fresh, while Ollie Pope will return when fit.
-
NewsWorld Test Championship: Which countries are in the running for Lord’s final
The ICC World Test Championship final is set to be held at Lord’s in June, completing a two-year cycle of the inaugural tournament.
-
NewsKlaasen named skipper of Proteas T20 squad for Pakistan series
South Africa named a much-changed squad for the T20I series that follows the two Tests in Pakistan.
-
NewsBen Stokes and Jofra Archer return to spearhead England’s tour of India
The star all-rounder and key pace bowler were both rested from the current tour of Sri Lanka.
-
NewsJames Anderson replaces Stuart Broad as England shuffle seam attack in Sri Lanka
The most prolific seamer in history will swap places with Broad for the second Test.
-
NewsJoe Root backs Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley to adjust to Asian conditions
Sibley and Crawley contributed four single-figure scores in the opening Test for a total of 25 runs.
-
NewsEngland fast bowler Olly Stone ready to resume Test ambitions in Sri Lanka
The Warwickshire quick is ready to prove himself again after 18 hard months since his debut.
-
NewsAngelo Mathews: Sri Lanka batsmen ‘can learn a lot’ from Joe Root
Mathews hailed Root’s ‘magnificent innings’ in the first Test.
-
NewsDawid Malan happy to stay put after Trent Rockets’ show of faith
The England batsman has earned an improved deal in The Hundred.