AP – Ireland have drafted in Middlesex seamer Tim Murtagh to a 13-strong squad to take on Australia in a one-day international in Belfast on June 23.
Murtagh deputises for Boyd Rankin, who has a foot injury, with the squad containing eight players based with English county sides.
“Although Tim Murtagh hasn’t played for Ireland yet, he’s been bowling superbly for Middlesex so that will soften the blow of losing Boyd,” said coach Phil Simmons.
“I’ve been following the English-based players and there have been some fantastic performances from them at various stages this season.”
Wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien, who crafted half-centuries in Ireland’s shock World Cup wins over Pakistan (2007) and England (2011), returns to the squad after a standoff with Cricket Ireland.
O’Brien missed Ireland’s to Kenya and the World Twenty20 qualifiers in the United Arab Emirates after signing a contract with the the Bangladesh Premier League.
“There’s no doubt he’s among the best 14 players that Ireland have, but (Surrey wicketkeeper) Gary Wilson did superbly in the UAE, so Niall knows he’s going to have work hard and be at his best to regain the gloves.”
Ireland captain William Porterfield is relishing the prospect of taking on the Australians.
“It’s going to be another fantastic occasion in Belfast as we take on Australia,” he said.
“We relish the opportunity to take on the top teams and they don’t come much bigger than the number one-ranked team.
“We missed a great chance to beat them in Dublin in 2010 but we’re learning all the time and have gained more experience of getting over the finishing line as we showed against England in the World Cup last year.
“Playing in front of your home fans gives all the players a great buzz, and with a capacity crowd behind us we’ll be doing our level best to capture another full-member scalp.”
Ireland squad: William Porterfield (capt), Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Trent Johnston, Ed Joyce, John Mooney, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Max Sorensen, Paul Stirling, Andrew White, Gary Wilson.
