Ireland have named their squads for the upcoming ODI and T20I tour of Zimbabwe starting from August 27. Cricket Ireland has named a 16-member squad and will name a fifteen-member squad ahead of each game. Curtis Campher has been named in the T20I squad for the five-match series.
Meanwhile, Ireland will be playing the qualifying tournament for the Super 12 stage in the T20 World Cup and has been drawn with Sri Lanka, the Netherlands and Namibia in Group A for the qualifying event. All the fifteen members of the squad which played against South Africa has been retained by the selectors.
Campher who has been named in the T20I squad is yet to make his international debut in this format, having played 10 ODIs. The newcomer has played only 8 T20 games scoring 136 runs and taking five wickets.
"For the T20I series, we have selected a squad of 16 for the five-match T20I series, of which it will be narrowed down to 15 each match day. Given the T20 World Cup starting in two months we want to provide as much playing time for the players in this format as possible," chief selector Andrew White was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz on Thursday. (August 19)
"While we have kept faith with the squad that played in the recent South Africa series, we have additionally brought Curtis Campher in for his first call-up for Ireland in the T20 format. Curtis is back bowling following his injury and will add a dynamic batting and bowling presence to the squad. His inclusion will provide Graham Ford and Andrew Balbirnie with increased flexibility as they look to finalise their plans ahead of the World Cup,” he added.
The T20I series will be followed by three ODIs which will be part of the ODI World Cup Super League. Former skipper William Porterfield has recovered from his injury which he incurred during the series against South Africa.
"As we are all aware, there are no longer any meaningless ODIs when it comes to the World Cup Super League, and we have selected a squad that recognises the good performances put in during the recent South Africa series. Again, we welcome the news that Curtis [Campher] is back bowling, having come through last week's training camp in Somerset with no concerns.
"Uncapped Graham Kennedy continued to impress coaches in Somerset last week, and retains his place in the squad with his all-round ability,” White further added.
T20I squad:
Andrew Balbirnie (Captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, William McClintock, Kevin O'Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
ODI squad:
Andrew Balbirnie (Captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Graham Kennedy, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, William Porterfield, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.