The Cricket Paper

Irish duo back in the game to face England

- By Seth Francis

IRELAND have included Kevin O’Brien and Paul Stirling in their squad to play England next month with both overcoming injuries.

O’Brien has recovered from a hamstring injury which saw him miss three of the five ODIs against Afghanista­n in March while Stirling is named in the squad following a finger injury.

O’Brien famously scored the fastest century in World Cup history as Ireland secured a three-wicket victory over England in 2011 and the Emerald Isle will now play their first ever ODIs against the Three Lions on English soil.

Ireland will face England at Bristol in the first of the two games on May 5 and the teams will meet again at Lord’s two days later.

Boyd Rankin, who made one Test appearance for England, returned to the Ireland side last year though he and Jacob Mulder will both miss the matches because of injury.

Ireland head coach John Bracewell said: “The opportunit­y to play England in England is not only historic, but a great tribute to Irish cricket and its journey.

“The 14 selected give us the best balance available. The conditions will be as different as they could be from those we experience­d against Afghanista­n in India – as will the compositio­n of the two bowling attacks, with pace being key.

“It’ll be another great challenge for our players, but one everyone associated with Irish cricket can’t wait for.”

Ireland have previously played England seven times in ODIs with two coming in global tournament­s and the rest coming in Ireland.

Irish capain William Porterfiel­d said: “There’s no doubt that the games against England will be tough but we’ve got some hard cricket under our belts and that will stand us in good stead for the challenges that await.” Ireland squad for England ODI series: William Porterfiel­d (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Tim Murtagh, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young

 ??  ?? Returning: Kevin O’Brien
Returning: Kevin O’Brien

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