NEW FACES IN IRELAND SQUAD

There is a place for 17 year old batting sensation Paul Stirling, who is currently with the Under 19 squad in Malaysia.

 

With impeccable timing, Stirling scored a rapid 72 as Ireland suffered a heavy 181 run defeat to New Zealand today in Kuala Lumpur. The Cliftonville opener hit 10 fours and 3 sixes in a breathtaking display of controlled hitting, facing just 50 deliveries in total.

 

Stirling gets his chance because of a shoulder injury to Jeremy Bray. Andrew White is also unavailable, as he is getting married next month.

 

Other new faces in the squad include left arm seamer Phil Eaglestone from Strabane, and fellow left arm bowler Reinhardt Strydom of North County.

 

Trent Johnston captains the squad, and despite a number of new faces, there is still a lot of experience in the ranks, with Ireland having their four county based players all available.

William Porterfield is named as the new vice-captain, taking over from Kyle Mc Callan.

 

The squad will play the UAE in Shajah from March 6-9, and will stay on to get extra practice ahead of Bangladesh. They are expected to play Essex who will be in the region participating in a tournament.

 

The squad depart for Bangladesh on March 15, and will play 3 ODI's versus Bangladesh on March 18, 20 and 22.

 

The squad in full is as follows: