Cricket Ireland announces their white-ball squads for the South Africa series; Andy Balbirnie has missed the T20Is

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Cricket Ireland announces their white-ball squads for the South Africa series; Andy Balbirnie has missed the T20Is

Ireland have announced their ODI and T20I squads for the upcoming white ball series South Africascheduled from September 28 to October 7 at United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The series will mark Ireland’s return to limited overs cricket following their disappointing campaign in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The key decision was the exclusion of the Test captain Andy Balbirnie in the T20I squad, despite his significant run-scoring record for Ireland.

Exclusion and recent struggles

Balbirnie, Ireland’s second T20I run-scorer, has struggled in recent months, estimated to be 24.83 in 12 innings this year with a strikeout rate of 113.74. His absence from Leinster LightningThe recent T20 match indicated a potential change. Lorcan Tucker he may take his place Paul Stirling’s opening partner for T20Is. National selector Andrew White he explained the decision as part of exploring “new power at the top of the order” in the T20 format. However, Balbirnie remains a key player in Ireland’s ODI programs and will return as an opener in the ODI series.

“We will look to introduce a new rotation, with Andrew Balbirnie sitting out the T20Is for the event. There are only two T20Is in the upcoming series, but they will give us valuable opportunities as we try to increase our performance levels,” White said in a statement released by Cricket Ireland

Focus on the new cycle before the ICC events

White stressed that this series against South Africa represents the start of a new cycle for Ireland, as they begin preparations for the upcoming ICC events, including 2026 T20 Men’s World Cup as well as 2027 Men’s Cricket World Cup. With these big tournaments on the horizon, the series will serve as an opportunity to test new combinations and increase performance levels.

“2026 and 2027 are important years for our white-ball squad – those years being the next T20 and 50-over World Cups respectively. Given their time, it means that we look at this upcoming series with South Africa as the beginning of a new cycle,” White concluded.

Key players and new faces

Although experienced players like it Paul Stirling, Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, again Harry Tector will be seen in both squads, such new faces Matthew Humphreys again Ben White they have been included in the T20I squad, which shows Ireland’s focus on building the future. Notably, Josh Little he is unavailable for the series due to his ongoing commitment to Caribbean Premier League.

Leg spinner not included Gavin Hoey expected to make his ODI debut, when Gareth Delany he was included in the T20I squad only. Changes from Team for T20 World Cup 2024 they consist of the absence of both Balbirnie again Josh Littlethey were replaced by emerging talents such as Humphreys.

ALSO READ: South African coach Rob Walter opens up about Quinton de Kock’s future in T20Is

Series format and expectations

The series will include two T20s followed by three ODIs. Ireland will be looking to improve on their recent form after a disappointing T20 World Cup and will be looking for redemption following their previous two-match series defeat to South Africa. The series will provide valuable information as Ireland focus on preparing for future ICC tournaments.