Ireland have announced a 15-member Test squad for their upcoming tour of Bangladesh, featuring five potential debutants. The new faces include top-order batters Cade Carmichael and Stephen Doheny, allrounder Jordan Neill, left-arm seamer Liam McCarthy, and legspinner Gavin Hoey. Andy Balbirnie will lead the side, with Ireland aiming to extend their three-match winning streak in Tests, dating back to February 2024.
Selector Andrew White expressed excitement about Ireland’s return to Test cricket, praising Carmichael’s impressive performances, including a century against Afghanistan A and solid ODI outings against West Indies. He also commended Doheny’s technical improvements and consistent domestic form. White highlighted the importance of managing Ireland’s seamers carefully during the back-to-back Tests, given the challenging conditions expected in Bangladesh. This marks only the second time Ireland will play consecutive Tests on a tour, making it a valuable experience for their developing red-ball squad.
In positive news for the white-ball side, Mark Adair and Josh Little have recovered from injuries and return for the T20I series that follows the Tests. Adair had undergone knee surgery in August, while Little was sidelined with a side strain. Their return boosts Ireland’s preparations for next year’s T20 World Cup.
The T20I squad, led by Paul Stirling, closely mirrors the one that faced England, with Adair, Little, and batter Tim Tector added. Allrounder Jordan Neill and seamer Graham Hume miss out this time. White noted that spin is expected to play a key role in Bangladesh, with Gareth Delany, Matthew Humphreys, and Ben White providing options.
The tour begins with two Tests — from November 11 in Sylhet and November 19 in Dhaka — followed by three T20Is in Chattogram and Dhaka between November 27 and December 2.
Ireland Test squad: Balbirnie (capt), Campher, Carmichael, Doheny, Hoey, Hume, Humphreys, McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Liam McCarthy, Stirling, Neill, Harry Tector, Tucker, Young.
Ireland T20I squad: Stirling (capt), M. Adair, R. Adair, Calitz, Campher, Delany, Dockrell, Humphreys, Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Tucker, Ben White, Young.
Leave a Reply