Cricket Buzz Today: Ireland has made a bold decision by excluding Test captain Andy Balbirnie from their T20I squad for the upcoming series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi. The move comes as the selectors aim to introduce “a new dynamic” at the top of the batting order.
Balbirnie, despite being Ireland’s second-highest T20I run-scorer, has struggled in recent months. In 12 innings this year, he has averaged just 24.83 and has a strike rate of 113.74. His recent absence from Leinster Lightning’s T20 match in the Inter-Pros, where Lorcan Tucker opened the batting, further suggests that Tucker may be the new opening partner for Paul Stirling in the upcoming T20Is.
National selector Andrew White explained the decision, saying, “One of our focuses on this tour is to explore the top order in our T20 squad. We are aiming to bring a fresh approach, and Andrew Balbirnie will be sitting out this time. Even though it’s just a two-match series, it will provide key opportunities for us to enhance our performance levels.”
While Balbirnie will not feature in the T20Is, he will return to the squad for the three-match ODI series that follows, where he is expected to resume his role at the top of the order alongside Stirling. “Andrew remains an integral part of our ODI plans and will open in that format,” White added.
Ireland will also be without Josh Little for both formats, as the left-arm pacer is currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League for Trinbago Knight Riders. Joining Little and Balbirnie in being left out of the T20 squad is Matthew Humphreys, a left-arm spinner.
Ireland had a disappointing campaign at the T20 World Cup earlier this year, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage, suffering losses to India, Canada, and Pakistan. Their game against co-hosts the United States was washed out.
The Ireland squad for the ODIs includes several newcomers, such as uncapped legspinner Gavin Hoey, who is in line for a potential debut. Meanwhile, Gareth Delany is included only in the T20I squad, while Andy McBrine and Stephen Doheny join the team for the ODI series.
White emphasized the importance of these upcoming fixtures, particularly with the T20 and 50-over World Cups on the horizon in 2026 and 2027. “These are crucial years for our white-ball teams. This series against South Africa marks the start of a new cycle for us. We’re focused on expanding our pool of international players, and for players like Gavin Hoey, gaining experience in these matches will be invaluable.”
The matches will be played in Abu Dhabi due to ongoing infrastructure challenges in Ireland. However, the national team is optimistic that these will be resolved soon, with plans underway for a new national stadium.
Ireland Squads for South Africa Series
T20I Squad:
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Matthew Humphreys, Graham Hume, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
ODI Squad:
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Gavin Hoey, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
Fixtures:
- September 27 and 29 – T20Is
- October 2, 4, and 7 – ODIs (all in Abu Dhabi)
This new approach signals a fresh beginning for Ireland as they look to rebuild and strengthen their white-ball teams ahead of future international tournaments.