Ireland cricket has announced a 14-player squad for their first-ever Test match against Zimbabwe, which will take place from July 25 to 29 at Stormont in Belfast. The squad, confirmed by Ireland’s national men’s selector Andrew White, features a mix of experienced campaigners and rising talents.
Formidable Ireland squad
Joining captain Andrew Balbirnie are other established names, such as wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker and fast bowler Mark Adair. The selectors have also handed spinner Gavin Hoey a maiden Test call-up, who has impressed with his performances in the domestic circuit.
“We’re delighted to name this squad for our first-ever Test match against Zimbabwe. It’s a momentous occasion for Irish cricket, and we’ve selected a group that we believe can rise to the challenge and make history,” White stated in the press conference.
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Historic beginning of a rivalry
On the other hand, Zimbabwe have also announced their 15-member squad for the match, led by experienced captain Craig Ervine. The visitors included several seasoned campaigners, such as Sean Williams, Tendai Chatara, and Blessing Muzarabani, and they also handed call-ups to four uncapped players.
The one-off Test will be Zimbabwe’s first international fixture of the year in whites, following their 1-0 series defeat against West Indies in 2023. For Ireland, it marks a significant milestone in their cricketing journey as they look to make a strong impression in their inaugural Test outing against a formidable opponent.
“This is a huge opportunity for our team to showcase their skills on the Test stage, we’ve been working hard in preparation, and we’re confident the players will rise to the occasion and give a good account of themselves“, added White.
The match is set to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to make their mark in the historic encounter. Cricket fans worldwide will eagerly anticipate the clash as Ireland and Zimbabwe write a new chapter in the sport’s rich tapestry.
Ireland squad for Zimbabwe Test:
Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young