Ireland have announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier in Zimbabwe next month. Andrew Balbirnie will continue to lead the team as the Qualifier begins on June 18 and will see 10 teams, including former World Cup winners West Indies and Sri Lanka, compete for the final two places for the World Cup 2023 in India. Follow ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN
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The Ireland squad has several pace options in Mark Adair, Josh Little, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Graham Hume and Curtis Campher. But considering the conditions, they have also opted to go with Ben White, who recently made his Test debut in Bangladesh.
Andrew White on their squad for World Cup 2023 Qualifier
“We’re heading into a big few months and it’s looking at what personnel we need from a tactical point of view, who are in form, and a squad composition that suits the conditions we are likely to face,” the Ireland men’s team selector Andrew White said as quoted by ICC.
“In the latter stages of the tournament, for example, we are likely to be playing on used pitches, so that’s where we see the value of a Ben White coming to the fore,” he added
“But before we look too far ahead, we have to start well and we’ve put together what we think is our best squad to meet that challenge. With a seam attack of Adair, Little, Young, McCarthy, Hume and Campher we feel we’re heading towards our best attack once more, while PJ Moor’s experience in Zimbabwean conditions and his versatility batting anywhere from 1 to 7 gives us great cover.“
Moor has already played Test cricket for Ireland since his move from Zimbabwe, but is yet to play ODIs for them with his last international fifty-over match coming in 2019 for Zimbabwe.
Stephen Doheny misses out on the squad after recently playing in the series against Zimbabwe earlier in the year.
White believes they can qualify
“Qualifier events are tough, cut-throat competitions at times and a balance of talent, form and experience is essential,” White stressed.
“We believe we have achieved that and I know that Irish supporters will be right behind the players and staff in their quest for World Cup qualification.”
Squad and Fixtures:
Ireland: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
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