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Australia A have picked a strong squad that will visit Ireland ahead of the Ashes series to be played in England this summer.
Australia A have picked a strong squad that will visit Ireland ahead of the Ashes series to be played in England this summer. Ireland will play Australia A at Stormont in a four-day game from June 14th to 17th.
Several players with test experience will visit Belfast with Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle and James Pattinson among the most exciting names that will be coming to Belfast.

Australia National Selector John Inverarity said: “There is some exciting young talent in the squad with the likes of Ashton Agar, Jordan Silk, Alex Doolan, Chadd Sayers and Nic Maddinson given deserved opportunities.”

“The NSP was particularly captured by Silk’s start to his first-class career, with two centuries in his first three games including in the Bupa Sheffield Shield Final. His poise in those very important matches was impressive for someone just 21 years of age and we look forward to seeing how he performs.

“We are looking forward to watching the progress of young WA spinner Ashton Agar during the Australia A series. Agar was impressive during a short stint in India and at the backend of the domestic season in his Bupa Sheffield Shield matches.

“Doolan again had a consistent season, including a century against South Africa early in the summer in the tour match, while Sayers showed great ability to swing the ball with good control in a strong season for the Redbacks. Maddinson led the New South Wales run scorers in the Shield last season and he’s a talented player we’ve been keeping tabs on.

“The bulk of our Ashes bowling attack – James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Jackson Bird and Nathan Lyon – will use the ‘A’ matches as important preparation for the Ashes.

“Brad Haddin will also get some valuable preparation for the Ashes in his leadership role captaining the side.

“In relation to Fawad Ahmed, we have selected only two spinners in the Australia A squad. Including three spinners would have upset team balance. We are planning a further Australia A tour to South Africa in mid-July and it is our intention to include Fawad in that squad.”

The Australia A Squad in full is:

Brad Haddin (C)
Steve Smith (Vice Captain)
Ashton Agar
Jackson Bird
Alex Doolan
Ryan Harris
Moises Henriques
Usman Khawaja
Nathan Lyon
Nic Maddinson
James Pattinson
Chadd Sayers
Peter Siddle
Jordan Silk

Australia A VB Tour of the British Isles
7-10 June: Australia A v Scotland, Edinburgh
14-17 June: Australia A v Ireland, Stormont Belfast
21-23 June: Australia A v Gloucestershire, Bristol

A video discussing the squad can be seen here

Steve Smith tours Ireland for a third time

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