IRE Vs ENG: Theo Van Woerkom Included In Upcoming England ODI Series Squad, Likely To Make Debut

New Zealand-born, Theo van Woerkom has been included in the Ireland squad for the upcoming ODI series against England. Theo van Woerkom who is yet to play an international game likely to make his debut for Paul Stirling’s side.

Earlier, Theo van Woerkom was featured in Ireland’s domestic league for the Northern Knights. Following he had a successful T20 League career. The 25-year-old left-arm spinner also took part in the Caribbean Premier League and USA’s T20 competition.

Recently, India travelled to Ireland to take part in a three-match T20I series, where Jasprit Bumrah’s Men in Blues whitewashed the home side by 2-0 after the last and final match was cancelled due to rain. However, Theo van Woerkom was about to make his debut then but was snubbed from the squad.

In the upcoming Ireland’s three-match ODI series against England, Paul Stirling will be leading the Irish side. This 50-over series will be Ireland’s first ODI match after they displayed a disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup qualifiers which was held in Zimbabwe.

Andrew Balbirnie, the former captain has also been included in the squad and will make a strong partnership alongside Paul Stirling. Ireland have made a strong squad to face the defending World Champions, England and Curtis Campher has also been added to the squad.

While speaking in a press conference, Andrew White the Ireland selector said that the top order will be handled by Balbirnie and Stirling in the forthcoming series since they have a great understanding and will give an advantage to the Irish side in the 50-over format.

“While the squad has an overall familiar shape, there are several important changes we are going to look at. The key changes are at the top of the order where Andrew Balbirnie will open with Paul Stirling. The pair have a great understanding and we believe they can develop into a longer-term opening option in the 50-over game,” Andrew White said.

We see this series as important in the development and evolution: Andrew White made no comments on Theo van Woerkom

Andrew White did not comment on Theo van Woerkom and did not confirm if he will debut in the ODI series. However, the team selector has given a proper idea of the top batting order.

“Along with this, Curtis Campher will make the move to number 3, where we believe he has the technique and aptitude to succeed in the role – he plays pace as well as anyone in the squad, and whilst he has been a mainstay of our middle order for a few years now, we believe he has the capability to batter higher up the order and have a really positive impact.

“We see this series as important in the development and evolution of our one-day squad and the players are certainly looking forward to locking horns with England for the first time in ODIs since 2020,” he added.

Ireland will lock horns against England in the upcoming three-match ODI series which starts from September 20th at Yorkshire Cricket Ground.