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Ireland have announced their full-strength squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against Bangladesh, starting May 9 in Chelmsford.
Following a prolonged injury layoff, Craig Young, who missed the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup due to a recurring injury issue, is making his way back to the squad. The 32-year-old seamer has been selected in the 14-member team for the crucial ODI series.
Further, Joshua Little has also been included in the outfit, who is currently representing Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. Little is now expected to miss a few games for the defending champions and may leave India following Titans’ match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 5.
It is worth mentioning that if Ireland manages to whitewash Bangladesh in the three-match leg, they will automatically qualify for the 50-over World Cup at South Africa’s expense. Ireland currently holds the 11th position in the standings with 68 points and has the potential to level with South Africa (98 points). However, to achieve this, the hosts must improve their net run rate and avoid any penalty points.
“The senior squad has a more familiar look, with much of the squad having been part of the set-up in Zimbabwe (January) and Bangladesh (March) ODI fixtures. We do, however, welcome Craig Young back into the senior side after his long journey of recovery from injury,” said Andrew White, National Men’s selector, in a statement.
“We are pleased to also have the services of Josh Little, who has been playing in the IPL over the last month. After a tough tour to Bangladesh last month, the lads will be keen to show their talent and skills in more familiar conditions – and with potential world cup qualification on the line, they will need no additional motivation to succeed,” he added.
Ireland’s squad for Bangladesh ODIs:
Andy Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Josh Littꦺle, Andy McBrine, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
