Bangladesh- Ireland Series
Balbirnie rested for T20 series, Stirling to lead against Bangladesh
|| CF DESK ||
For the T20I series against Bangladesh, Ireland's regular captain Andy Balbirnie has been rested. Balbirnie's replacement, Paul Stirling, will lead the team and Lorcan Tucker will take over as vice-captain.
“Andrew was due to take a break from the ODI series against Sri Lanka next month to concentrate on preparation for the upcoming Tests and the all-important World Cup Super League series in May. With the Sri Lankan ODI series now being converted to a second Test Match, he will now be rested from this T20I series instead,” head coach Heinrich Malan said in a statement.
“We flagged before the tour that there may be an element of player rotation this year due to the anticipated volume of cricket we will be playing. I see it is an essential part of squad and player management that we give our leading players adequate down time for their physical and mental health. Such rotation also allows us to broaden the talent pool by enabling a wider group of players first team opportunities” he added.
Stirling served as captain for six games in 2019. Ireland had two wins and four losses out of those six.
The visitors have had a challenging tour thus far, losing the ODI series 2-0 while Bangladesh recorded their biggest victories in terms of runs and wickets during those two contests.
The home team recorded their highest ODI total in the second match that was abandoned.
The T20Is will be played at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on March 27, 29, and 31. All games kick off at 2:00 p.m. local time.
Ireland squad for Bangladesh T20I series
Paul Stirling (Capt), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Tom Mayes, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.