Photo Credit: Cricket Ireland
The Ireland Wolves squad has been announced for the upcoming three-match series against Netherlands ‘A’ side in May with selectors and coaches viewing the series as important preparation for the international series ahead.
The squad is:
Harry Tector (captain), Curtis Campher, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Shane Getkate, Graeme McCarter, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, William Porterfield, Neil Rock, Tim Tector, Ben White, Craig Young.
The three 50-over matches will be played as follows:
• 10 May 2021: Ireland Wolves v Netherlands A – 1st ODM (Oak Hill, starting 10.45am)
• 12 May 2021: Ireland Wolves v Netherlands A – 2nd ODM (Oak Hill, starting 10.45am)
• 13 May 2021: Ireland Wolves v Netherlands A – 3rd ODM (Oak Hill, starting 10.45am)
The matches will be livestreamed and livescored via the Cricket Ireland match centre. No spectators are currently permitted at games in the Republic of Ireland under current government restrictions.
Andrew White, Chair of National Men’s Selectors, said:
“The importance of the Ireland Wolves is not just the experience it gives our emerging talent, but also the flexibility it provides for those on the fringes of international selection, allowing them much-needed game time ahead of a busy few months for the senior international squad.”
“The challenging Bangladesh A series earlier this year demonstrated the value in the Wolves programme for players who are involved. It is an essential bridge between domestic and international cricket and not only an on-field learning experience, but an important avenue in preparing players for life as an international cricketer.”
“Netherlands A at home will obviously be a completely different environment to Bangladesh A in the subcontinent, but no less an opportunity for players to use the fixtures to push their game forward and ensure they are firmly on the radar of national selectors.”
“I think we have managed to name a squad that delivers on several levels – it identifies and exposes emerging talent to an international cricket scenario, it provides several fringe players an opportunity to stake a claim for senior international honours, and it gives much needed game time for a number of players who will play instrumental roles in the internationals this summer. With nine World Cup Super League matches coming up over the next three months, and a T20 World Cup ahead in October, this is set to be a big year for men’s cricket and the Wolves programme is a key part of that schedule.”
Pete Johnston, Head Coach of Ireland Wolves, said:
“It’s great news that this short series has been given the green light to go ahead in a bubble environment. While there is a lot of experience in the side with William Porterfield and George Dockrell who are looking to force their way back into the Senior team, we also have a number of players who are relatively new in making the step up to senior international cricket and these games will provide another valuable experience for them. It is also great to see 17-year-old batsman and Academy player Tim Tector come into the squad for his first full Wolves series following off the back of his recent List A debut for Leinster Lightning. The selectors have also recognised Graeme McCarter’s consistent performances in the Inter Provincials over recent years and feel he has earned this opportunity. Having Harry as Captain along with George and William in the squad will provide strong leadership.”
“The more opportunities we can provide at Wolves, Inter-Provincial and Academy level, the more competitive selection becomes at Senior Level and having a broader base of players challenging various roles is absolutely key for having an Irish team that can consistently perform well on the world stage. The Netherlands have named a strong experienced side and Oak Hill has been a great venue for the Wolves in recent times, providing some exciting games of cricket, so we are looking forward to getting back down there. The key to having a successful series will be based on sticking to the processes required to put together complete team performances under pressure.”
“It has been a challenging winter with only elite (professional/semi-professional) players being allowed to train, so I do expect as the season goes on that we will see many more fringe players pushing selection for higher honours.”
The KNCB have announced their squad for the series here.
