Photo Credit: Sportsfile
Selectors have today named a 14-player Emerging Ireland men’s squad that will tour the West Indies starting in November 2023 – a tour that will see the Irish side play three 50-over white ball matches and two four-day red ball matches.
The squad, which will be led by Stephen Doheny, will depart on 12 November, returning 7 December and involve fixtures being played at two venues in Antigua – the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS) and the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG).
Doheny, who plays domestically for Merrion Cricket Club and the North West Warriors in the Inter-Provincial Series, has played 12 times for Ireland since making his international debut in January this year. In addition to captaining the side, he will be the primary wicketkeeper in the squad.
Andrew White, Ireland Men’s national selector, said:
“This Emerging Ireland Men’s squad features a mix of youth and fringe contracted players all with a common need – the need to play more cricket.
“We continue to be excited by the talent coming through the system over recent seasons, however, the reality is that most of these players have simply not played enough high-quality cricket for their development and preparedness for that step up to the senior international squad.
“This tour will provide both a greater level of exposure and experience to the players, allowing them to test themselves against a strong opponent in foreign conditions. This is exactly the level of challenge this cohort of players need in order to push their games forward. An Irish international cricketer will play more games outside Ireland than within, so while we all look forward to a bigger Wolves programme resuming in 2024, this type of tour in the interim will provide these 14 players with a suitable test and an invaluable playing and touring experience.”
Emerging Ireland men’s squad
Stephen Doheny (capt) (Merrion), Cade Carmichael (Instonians), Murray Commins (The Hills), Matthew Foster (CSNI), Mike Frost (Malahide), Fionn Hand (Clontarf), Gavin Hoey (Pembroke), Matthew Humphreys (Lisburn), Scott Macbeth (Brigade), Tom Mayes, Liam McCarthy (Railway Union), Adam Rosslee (YMCA), Tim Tector (YMCA), Morgan Topping (Waringstown).
Coaching staff:
• Head Coach: Heinrich Malan (leaves after 1st 4-day match)
• Assistant Coach: Pete Johnston (arrives after 3rd ODM)
• Assistant Coach: Boyd Rankin
Fixtures
• 17 November: West Indies Under-23s v Emerging Ireland – 1st ODM (SVRS; start 9.30am)
• 19 November: West Indies Under-23s v Emerging Ireland – 2nd ODM (CCG; start 9.30am)
• 21 November: West Indies Under-23s v Emerging Ireland – 3rd ODM (SVRS; start 9.30am)
• 25-28 November: West Indies Under-23s v Emerging Ireland – 1st 4-day match (CCG; start 10am)
• 2-5 December: West Indies Under-23s v Emerging Ireland – 2nd 4-day match (CCG; start 10am)
