News

There have been some changes to the Ireland squad for the start of the South Africa A which commences with a 4 day match at Oakhill Cricket Ground
James Shannon has been drafted into the Ireland senior squad for the first game of their series against South Africa A. The four-day game gets under way at Oak Hill on Monday August 6 (11am).

The Instonians batsman has skippered the Ireland A side successfully this season, and scored an unbeaten 99 to help his club side win the NCU Senior Cup final last week.

There’s also a recall to the senior ranks for Limavady seamer Andy Britton, who impressed coach Phil Simmons last week in the game against Durham.

“Andy has definitely got some pace and he also gets some seam movement. It’s an opportunity for him to join the squad and learn from the senior professionals. James Shannon has got undoubted star quality but he hasn’t scored the volume of runs that his talent warrants – yet. The more experience he gains at this level, the better player he’ll undoubtedly become.

“South Africa A have named very strong squads for these games and it’s a chance for our players to show what they can do against top quality opposition.”

Admission is free for all four days of the match

Kevin O’Brien is captain of the 13 man squad, which is as follows:

Kevin O’Brien (capt) (Railway Union), John Anderson (Merrion), Andrew Balbirnie (Pembroke), Andy Britton (Limavady), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), Trent Johnston (YMCA), John Mooney (North County), James Shannon (Instonians), Max Sorensen (The Hills), Stuart Thompson (Limavady), Albert van de Merwe (YMCA), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey).

The full tour itinerary is as follows:
Ireland v South Africa A – 6-9 August, Oak Hill (11am)
Ireland v South Africa A – 13-16 August, Coleraine (11am)
Ireland v South Africa A (50 overs) 19 August, Strabane (10:45am)
Ireland v South Africa A (50 overs) 21 August, Stormont (10:45am)
Ireland v South Africa A (50 overs) 23 August, Stormont (10:45am)
Ireland v South Africa A (20 overs) 27 August, Oak Hill (4pm)
Ireland v South Africa A (20 overs) 29 August, Oak Hill (4pm)
Ireland v South Africa A (20 overs) 31 August, Malahide (4pm)
Ireland v South Africa A (20 overs), 2 September, Malahide (2pm)

Cricket Ireland
Oakhill Cricket Ground will play host to the game
Yes