Ireland have named a 15-man Test squad for next month’s tour of Bangladesh, including five players who could make their red-ball debuts. Cade Carmichael, Liam McCarthy, Jordan Neill and Stephen Doheny have all been selected in a Test side for the first time, while leg-spinner Gavin Hoey, previously part of the squad, has yet to earn his first cap.
The tour will see Heinrich Malan’s side play two Tests – their first red-ball fixtures since February against Zimbabwe – alongside three T20 internationals.
Seamers Josh Little and Mark Adair, who missed Ireland’s 2-0 T20 series loss to England last month due to injury, will return for the white-ball matches. Assistant coach Gary Wilson highlighted their importance: “Adding the firepower and experience of those two in T20 cricket will bolster any attack. Our attack was under-strength against England, and it will be pleasing to have them back. Both Mark and Josh have played in leagues around the world, and they will strengthen our attack considerably.”
Tim Tector also returns to the T20 panel, while Ben Calitz retains his place following his debut against England.
Ireland Test squad for Bangladesh: Andrew Balbirnie (capt), Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, Stephen Doheny, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Liam McCarthy, Paul Stirling, Jordan Neil, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Craig Young
Ireland T20 squad for Bangladesh: Paul Stirling (capt), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Ben White, Craig Young
The squad features significant turnover following Ireland’s summer, including the retirement of opening batsman PJ Moor. Only seven of the Test squad were part of the previous Bangladesh tour two years ago.
Wilson acknowledged the limited red-ball preparation: “Ideally, we would have more first-class and Test cricket, but we’ve tried to give players sporadic red-ball practice over the summer. It will be brilliant to see how the new players perform in Test conditions.”
