News

Following the 3 day defeat to Kent 2nd XI, the selectors have announced the following squad for the 3 Day match versus Gloucestershire 2nd XI
Ireland A will be looking for a much improved performance following an eight wicket defeat in a match that ended today against Kent 2nd XI. Recalled to the squad after a three year absence is Limavady opening bowler Andrew Britton, whose last representative appearance came in the senior ranks against Kenya in 2009.
Ben Ackland, Andrew Balbirnie, Shane Getkate and Max Sorensen all also come back into the squad. James Shannon continues as captain and the squad will be looking to learn some lessons after the defeat to Kent. The game will take place on the 28th, 29th and 30th of May at Lansdown Cricket Club in Bath.

Five of the side which lost to Kent by 8 wickets are unavailable, with Tom Fisher, Allan Eastwood, Andrew Poynter and Lee Nelson all working, and Scott Campbell doing examinations.

Andrew Balbirnie is available once again, while Shane Getkate returns following a knee injury. Max Sorensen is included subject to obtaining the necessary visa, and top order batsman Ben Ackland is included.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons is a great advocate of multi-day cricket, saying: “You can take part in Twenty20 and fifty over cricket all your life and not learn to play the game. This type of three day fixture is a great vehicle for teaching players how to build an innings and the value of patience. The bowlers have to learn how to build pressure and take wickets on flat tracks. “In the game against Kent, I thought several of our batsmen looked good and got starts but didn’t kick on the way Daniel Bell-Drummond did with the big hundred. Chris Dougherty, Tom Fisher, James Shannon and Stuart Thompson all did well but 40’s and 50’s don’t win you games. The big positive for me in the game with Kent was the performance of Lee Nelson who batted well in both innings – but again didn’t make the big score you need when you get in on these wickets.”

On the selection for the game with Gloucestershire, Simmons added: “There’s availability problems but it presents others with opportunities. I’ve been hearing good reports from the NW about Britton, and it’s a chance for him to show us what he can do. We won’t be overbowling Getkate who is just returning to cricket, while Sorensen showed what he is capable of during the World Twenty20 qualifiers in Dubai in March.”

James Shannon (capt)
Ben Ackland
John Anderson
Andrew Balbirnie
Andrew Britton
Adam Coughlan
Chris Dougherty
Phil Eaglestone
Shane Getkate
Rory McCann
Max Sorensen
Stuart Thompson

Coach – Phil Simmons
Manager – Gavin Craig

Match Result
Ireland A v Kent 2nd XI, Maidstone CC 22nd, 23rd & 24th May

1st Innings

Ireland A 176 All Out (C Dougherty 51, L Nelson 38, S Thompson 20*, S Cook 4-28)

Kent 2nd XI 352 All Out ( D Bell-Drummond 147, S Thomson 4-56, A Coughlan 3-66)

2nd Innings

Ireland A 256 All Out (T Fisher 53, L Nelson 49, S Thompson 45*, J Shannon 41, J Laraman 4-54)

Kent 2nd XI 81-2 (C Piesley 37*, P Eaglestone 2-24)

Kent 2nd XI Won By 8 Wickets