GT's Star Pacer Josh Little Rested for Lord's Test vs England

image-li5sdybbJosh Little has had an impressive IPL 2023 with Gujarat Titans (AP Photo)

Ireland's upcoming Test match against England at will be a significant moment for the team, but it will be without their key bowler, Josh Little. Despite his impressive performances in one-day and T20 cricket, Little is yet to make his Test debut. However, his absence from the Test squad has frustrated many Irish supporters.

Ireland have decided to grant Little a week off to ensure his freshness for the upcoming 50-over World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe and the T20 World Cup Qualifier in Scotland, both of which will take place in the following months.

Richard Holdsworth, Cricket Ireland's performance director, explained that the management team and selectors discussed the matter extensively and agreed that giving Little the break would be beneficial for both him and the team.

"Josh (Little) asked us initially if he could have a period of rest ahead of the World Cup Qualifier. Our management team and the selectors discussed that issue in detail and were amicably in agreement that actually, that was in the best interests of Josh and the team," said Holdsworth.

Holdsworth further emphasized the importance of prioritizing pinnacle events such as the World Cup Qualifier over the upcoming Test match against England. He stated that the World Cup Qualifier, where only two teams out of ten will secure a spot in the World Cup, remains the most significant prize in the game. 

"We are incredibly proud to go and play against England and at Lord's. It's a special occasion. However, it's not a pinnacle event. And where we have to put our energies and ensure we have the best team on the park is in our pinnacle events," added Holdsworth.

Little has been busy featuring in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Gujarat Titans, making him the first active Ireland player to feature in the prestigious tournament. His IPL contract is valued at approximately € 500,000, which is six times the worth of his Ireland central contract. Little has managed to play in eight out of the Titans' 14 group games, missing three matches to represent Ireland in an ODI series against Bangladesh.

It is pertinent to mention that Ireland will enter the Test match with a weakened seam attack, as Barry McCarthy and Conor Olphert are both unavailable due to injuries. To prepare for the Test, the team will engage in a three-day, first-class warm-up match against Essex at Chelmsford, which interestingly features four of Ireland's own squad members.