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Ireland have announced their squad for the first three ODI matches of the upcoming five-match ODI series against Afghanistan. This will be Gary Wilson's first ODI assignment as Ireland's head coach. The ODI series will begin on August 5, with matches to be played at Bready and Stormont.
Jai Moondra and the 24-year-old fast bowler Byron McDonough have been handed the maiden call-ups to Ireland's ODI squad for the upcoming home series against Afghanistan. Amid this, Ryan ten Doeschate steps down as India's assistant coach; set for KKR return.
Gary Wilson's first ODI squad features three fresh faces as Ireland set to host Afghanistan
The Indian-born left-arm pacer Moondra was handed the maiden ODI call-up after his impressive show against India. Moondra was adjudged Player of the Series for taking five wickets and helping Ireland to record a historic 2-0 T20I series win over India last month.
On the other hand, McDonough earned the maiden call-up after helping Leinster Lightning to win the Inter-Provincial 50-over Cup title. Apart from Moondra and McDonough, Ben Calitz has also received his maiden ODI call-up for the Afghanistan series at home. Notably, both Moondra and Calitz have already represented Ireland in two and 11 T20I matches, respectively.
Josh Little among 6 stars set to miss Afghanistan ODIs
However, in a big setback for the host team, their top players, including Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill, and David Delany, were not available for selection for the first three ODIs against Afghanistan. Some of them are recovering from injuries, while some are still completing their fitness recovery process as shared by Cricket Ireland.
Ireland ODI Squad: Paul Stirling (C), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker
Gary Wilson excited for first ODI assignment as Ireland head coach
After the squad announcement, Ireland’s news head coach Gary Wilson said that he is excited for the ODI series against Afghanistan and believes many Ireland players have performed well enough to earn selection. Amid this, Usman Tariq breaks silence after Tim David's dismissal in The Hundred.
Gary Wilson said in the Cricket Ireland statement: “I am very much looking forward to the series against Afghanistan. These are our first ODIs in 15 months and in the intervening period, many players have put their hand up for selection which is a great place to be. We are leaving players out who rightly believe they are good enough to be selected, however, we have full faith in the squad that we have picked.”
Gary Wilson Demands Fearless for Afghanistan ODIs
Wilson also wants his players to show strong fighting spirit in the field and never give up, just like the successful Ireland teams of the past. The coach explained, “There is a great rivalry that has built up over the years between the two teams, and I expect that to continue during this series. We have selected a squad that is reflective of the way in which we want to play.”
He signed off by saying, “We want to play the conditions and situations in front of us but ultimately be dynamic and look for opportunities to put pressure on the opposition. With the ball, we want to be consistently looking for wickets and in the field we want to hunt down chances and be known for a never say die attitude that is synonymous with great Irish sides, of which we believe this is one.”
