DUBLIN – Uncapped batter Stephen Doheny has been named in both ODI and T20I squads for Ireland’s tour of Zimbabwe, which begins next month.
Doheny was a part of Ireland’s T20 World Cup 2022 squad but did not get a game. With the six-match multi-format series coming up, Doheny is in line to make his international debut.
Both squads will be captained by Andrew Balbirnie and while Paul Stirling is in the ODI side, he will not feature in the T20I series to play in the new International League T20. Left-arm seamer Josh Little is a part of the T20I mix but will miss the ODIs to play in the SA20.
Fast bowler Tyrone Kane returns to the side after nearly four years. His last international was against Zimbabwe in July 2019.
Also making a return are legspinner Ben White and wicketkeeper-batter Neil Rock, both of whom debuted in 2021.
“While the squads selected reflect the new dynamism and positive philosophy that Heinrich and his staff have been instilling in our white-ball squads, we have taken advantage of the decision to allow a couple of our players the opportunity to participate in franchise tournaments,” said National Selector Andrew White.
“Paul Stirling will feature in the one-day series against Zimbabwe but has been granted approval to miss the T20I series and play in the new International League T20, while Josh Little has been granted approval to miss the T20I series to play in the SA20.”
He also added: “This flexibility in selection will allow us to provide a number of fringe players a chance – most notably, Stephen Doheny, who is in line to make his international debut after serving a lengthy apprenticeship, while we welcome back Tyrone Kane to the senior set-up. Tyrone has changed the dynamic of what he can bring to the table in recent seasons, and with selection policy seeking to choose players that fit the playing philosophy, his mid to late overs batting clearly fits the bill. Coincidentally, Tyrone’s last match for Ireland was against Zimbabwe, and we wish him well for his return to the national side.
“With Paul and Josh missing the T20I series, this has created space for the return of Ben White and Neil Rock. Ben has benefited from spending time with Spin Bowling Coach Nathan Hauritz in the nets and is continuing to develop his legspin, and Neil will come into the squad in largely a batting capacity.”
The tour will kick off with a three-match T20I series, starting 12 January, followed by a three-match ODI series, starting 18 January. All matches will be played at the Harare Sports Club.
T20I squad: Andy Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Tyrone Kane, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White.
ODI squad: Andy Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Graham Hume, Tyrone Kane, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker.
Fixtures
1st T20I – January 12
2nd T20I – January 14
3rd T20I – January 15
1st ODI – January 18
2nd ODI – January 20
3rd ODI – January 23
Source: icc-cricket.com
