David Rankin has been added to the Ireland A squad which will tour Sri Lanka in the New Year.
The 26 year-old Bready and North West Warriors opening batsman scored 749 runs at 35.67 in domestic cricket last season, which included seven half centuries.
He showed his versatility by taking 15 catches behind the stumps, and also took off the gloves to claim 13 wickets at 25.31, including a best-bowling analysis of 5 for 31.
Ireland A will spend two weeks in Sri Lanka with a training camp culminating in four matches against local opposition.
They will play 50 over games against the Police on January 11 and Kalutara Town Club the following day. The tour concludes with back-to-back T20 games against BRC on January 14.
“It’s a great opportunity for the players to stake their claims for a place in the ICC World Twenty20 competition in Bangladesh,” said Ireland coach Phil Simmons.
“Sri Lankan conditions are similar to those of Bangladesh so it’s ideal preparation for the guys that make it to the senior squad. They all have the chance to showcase their talents in both the training camp and match situations.”
John Anderson wasn’t available for selection for the trip due to other commitments, while George Dockrell will travel with the squad but won’t feature in any of the scheduled matches.
Ireland A Squad for Sri Lanka Tour (January 1-15)
Andrew Poynter (captain) (Clontarf), Andrew Balbirnie (Pembroke/Middlesex), James Cameron-Dow (North Down), Chris Dougherty (CIYMS), Phil Eaglestone (Waringstown), Tyrone Kane (Merrion), Andrew McBrine (Donemana), Stuart Poynter (Durham), David Rankin (Bready) Eddie Richardson (North County), James Shannon (Instonians), Stuart Thompson (Eglinton), Barry McCarthy (Pembroke).
Fixtures
Ireland A v Police (50 over), January 11
Ireland A v Kalutara Town Club (50 over), January 12
Ireland A v BRC (2 x Twenty 20s), January 14
Cricket Ireland
Yes
Connaught
