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Three of Ireland’s top batsmen have hit form this week ahead of their ODI against Australia in Stormont on August 27th.
Paul Stirling and Gary Wilson both made half centuries for their respective counties, while captain William Porterfield made a century for Warwickshire, all three in the Royal London One Day Cup.

The trio, who will be a huge part of Ireland’s top order when they take on the World Champions next week in the Hanley Energy Challenge, are hitting form at the right time for Ireland, with Australia heading to Ireland on the back of defeat in the Ashes, and making their first ODI appearance since winning the ICC World Cup in March.

Porterfield made his century at Rugby school as Warwickshire beat Sussex comfortably, the Ireladn captain almost carrying his bat throughout the innings, falling for exactly 100 just before Warwickshire won the game with three overs to spare.

Wicketkeeper Wilson has also been in superb form, hitting consecutive half-centuries over two formats, with an unbeaten 56 as Surrey beat Essex in the County Championship before hitting 59 in a Royal London One Day Cup win over Somerset. A day later Wilson managed another 37 against Gloucestershire, taking five catches in the same match.

Hard hitting opener Stirling, who won Man of the Match as Ireland beat Jersey to qualify for the ICC World T20 before picking up a calf injury in the tournament semi-final last month, has made three half centuries in three games since returning to Middlesex hitting 86* and 72 as Middlesex 2nd XI beat the MCC Young Cricketers and Surrey 2nd XI. He then continued that form into the Royal London Cup as he struck 58 in an opening stand of 139 as they chased down 252 in less than 40 overs.

Ireland will, however, be without Alex Cusack after the Clontarf all-rounder called time on his international career after helping the side qualify for the ICC World T20 in July. Cusack’s bowling in particular will be a miss for Ireland, but the return to fitness of Tim Murtagh will boost the Irish attack.

The Middlesex bowler has also been in form for Middlesex, taking his 500th first class wicket in recent weeks as he gradually made his way back to full fitness after foot and hamstring injuries.

Murtagh is joined in the squad by Ed Joyce who also returns to play for Ireland once again after his retirement from the T20 format. The experienced Sussex left-hander broke the record for the highest individual score by an Irishman when he made 231 against the UAE in Malahide.

Australia might be without Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin after their recent retirements, but their squad contains no less than eight of the team that won the World Cup just five months ago and will be captained by Steve Smith.

Some tickets are still available for the clash, which will start at 10.45am on Thursday August 27th, at Stormont in Belfast. You can purchase tickets from ticketmaster here.
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