Approaching the three-match India vs Ireland T20 series, Ireland spinner Ben White recognizes this as a monumental chance. Despite India’s evident dominance, White exudes unwavering faith in Ireland’s capacity to engineer an unexpected outcome. He underlines the immense importance of the impending challenge while radiating positivity about the host’s capability to orchestrate an upset. White said that Ireland possesses the capabilities needed to secure victory against the Indian team led by Jasprit Bumrah. With the inclusion of IPL luminaries in the Indian lineup, he believes that Ireland can engineer a remarkable upset and emerge triumphant.
“We can beat anyone on our day – you never know what can happen and you have to believe. Playing against India at home is huge, they’re the best team in the world but we are relishing the challenge,” White said.
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In their previous encounter at the same location, India secured a 2-0 victory over Ireland last year. However, in the second T20 match, Ireland nearly caused an upset, with the visitors narrowly winning by a margin of four runs. Ireland’s spirits are lifted by their recent qualification for next year’s T20 World Cup after a successful performance in the qualifying tournament last month.
If chosen for Friday’s series opener at Malahide in County Dublin, Ben White is poised to make his international debut in the IND vs IRE T20 series and also play at the Malahide venue for the first time. Initially a seam bowler during his early years, he casually experimented with leg-breaks during practice sessions, catching the attention of coaches who then nurtured his skill. Ben White marked his T20 debut for Ireland in 2021, accumulating 21 wickets with an average of 22.85.
Having concluded a series with a 3-2 defeat by West Indies, India is now focused on regaining their momentum against Ireland. Jasprit Bumrah is making a comeback to international action after nearly a year of absence due to injury, and he’s set to lead the Indian side. Additionally, seamer Prasidh Krishna has also been reinstated in the squad, further bolstering India’s bowling strength.
Anticipating the upcoming challenge, Ben White expresses his excitement about testing his abilities against Indian players who excel in handling spin. He eagerly looks forward to the prospect of competing against them. Moreover, one particular goal sits atop his wish list: claiming the wicket of Sanju Samson.
“He’s been very good over the last years and they have some very exciting talent in their squad – in truth, I’ll be happy with anyone’s wicket. They are very good players of spin but I don’t think I would be more defensive. I’ll just be trying to take wickets and attacking,” he said.
“Everyone’s excited and we’ll eliminate pressure by playing the way we do. Every ball is an event and we have to stay one step ahead of them. We’ll enjoy it – with the big crowd they bring to the ground and they noise they make it should be a great spectacle.”
The India vs Ireland T20I series will commence with the first T20I taking place on Friday, August 18, at The Village in Dublin. This will be followed by the second and third T20Is on August 20 and 23, respectively, at the same venue.
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