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Getkate and Thompson in Ireland Squad for Zimababwe series
The Cricket Ireland selectors have rewarded consistent performances, and are looking to back the potential of the next generation, with the announcement of the Ireland Men's and Wolves squads for the upcoming Zimbabwe series in early July. Shane Getkate and Greg Thompson are among nine Northern Knights players named in the three squads. Andrew White, Chair of National Men's Selectors, said: "With the T20 World Cup Qualifier in October this year, it has been important for the Selectors to see our senior international and Wolves squads in as many games as possible. The last six months have been busy with 18 ODIs and T20Is played so far, while the Wolves have completed a tour of Sri Lanka, played Bangladesh and hosted a full series against Scotland 'A'. To complement this, and despite the inclement weather, we have seen some competitive cricket at Inter-Provincial level and we certainly hope for more of this during the remainder of the summer." "The last six months have also allowed Selectors and our coaching staff to experiment a little – both with players selected and their roles within the team. Kevin O'Brien's elevation to opening the batting in T20s has been a really positive move, Mark Adair's late-order power hitting, and Andy McBrine's role opening the bowling in the ODIs, all ways that Graham Ford and his coaching staff are seeking to push this team forward." "Our succession plans are starting to bear fruit, not only with five new players receiving their debut caps, but also in the way our senior players have been sharing their knowledge and experience with the emerging players. These transition plans will continue to evolve and the fans should expect to see more opportunities given to our younger players in this series who will only benefit from more extended game time at this level." "The Selectors are also mindful of the balance of the squad and have taken note of current form, and the decision to recall Greg Thompson into the national T20 set-up is recognition of his impressive form. Greg has played 23 times for Ireland, the last time back in early 2017. He probably hasn't shown his best form over his Irish career, but he is in the form of his life at the moment and we believe he has earned his opportunity in the T20I squad through hard work, consistency and the experience he brings to his game. His batting is not just about power hitting, but batting with intelligence. With the T20 World Cup Qualifier on the horizon, we want to ensure no stone is left unturned in finding a side that will give us the best possible chance of being successful, so we wish Greg well with this opportunity." "Likewise, the form of Northern Knights' all-rounders Mark Adair and Shane Getkate can't be denied, and we are excited at the first inclusion of Gareth Delany, who has clearly demonstrated his skills with both bat and ball during the opportunities he has had with the Wolves and at Inter-Provincial level." Ireland Men's squads for Zimbabwe series (Northern Knights players highlighted)
The Ireland Wolves will once again be in action against a Full Member side when they take on Zimbabwe on Saturday. Pete Johnston, Academy & Performance Manager, said about the Ireland Wolves: "After the impressive win over Bangladesh earlier this summer, the Wolves will be looking forward to taking on another very experienced Full Member senior side in a competitive List A game. The recent series against a strong Scotland 'A' produced a range of good performances from within a young squad which have caught the eye of the senior selectors, while it is also encouraging that 16-year old Nathan McGuire justifiably maintains his place in the Wolves for his first taste of senior international opposition." "Harry Tector will once again captain the side and continues to impress with his hunger, ambition and leadership. He is developing into an athletic, dynamic and versatile all-rounder which is very exciting for Irish cricket." "We welcome back Barry McCarthy, Stuart Thompson and Stephen Doheny to international action after returning from injury and illness. As long as conditions allow, it is great news that left-arm spinner James Cameron-Dow may well come into the Wolves playing 11 for the first time since his very successful tour of Sri Lanka in the winter, and we have all been very encouraged by his recent form off the back of hard work. Further good news is that Neil Rock returns after completing his Leaving Certificate exams." "The Zimbabwe challenge will be another timely test of our fringe and emerging internationals and all adds to the growing depth of experience we have at this level, we are looking forward to taking the game to a great club like Eglinton where we hope the local community will come out to enjoy some high quality cricket and most importantly witness another strong Wolves performance." Ireland Wolves squad (Northern Knights players highlighted)
THE FIXTURES Wolves 50-over match ODI series T20I series Full fixture details here. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster now or at the gate. *T20I matches will be double-headers with the Ireland Women playing Zimbabwe Women on the same day. |
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