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Stirling steps in as T20I captain as Balbirnie rested from series

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CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh – Ireland Men’s captain Andrew Balbirnie will be rested from the T20 International series against Bangladesh this week, with Paul Stirling stepping into the role it was confirmed today.
Stirling has captained Ireland six times in T20Is in the past and has been vice-captain of Ireland Men since 2019.

Lorcan Tucker will act as vice-captain for the series.

Speaking about the squad change, head coach Heinrich Malan, said:

“Andrew was due to take a break from the ODI series against Sri Lanka next month to concentrate on preparation for the upcoming Tests and the all-important World Cup Super League series in May. With the Sri Lankan ODI series now being converted to a second Test Match, he will now be rested from this T20I series instead.
“We flagged before the tour that there may be an element of player rotation this year due to the anticipated volume of cricket we will be playing. I see it is an essential part of squad and player management that we give our leading players adequate down time for their physical and mental health. Such rotation also allows us to broaden the talent pool by enabling a wider group of players first team opportunities.”

SCHEDULE

T20I Series
• 27 March: Bangladesh Men v Ireland Men – 1st T20I (ZACS, Chattogram; start 2pm local time) (9am Irish time)
• 29 March: Bangladesh Men v Ireland Men – 2nd T20I (ZACS, Chattogram; start 2pm local time) (9am Irish time)
• 31 March: Bangladesh Men v Ireland Men – 3rd T20I (ZACS, Chattogram; start 2pm local time) (9am Irish time)

Test Match
• 4-8 April: Bangladesh Men v Ireland Men – Test Match (SBNCS, Dhaka; start 10am daily local time) (5am Irish time)

THE SQUADS

Ireland squad for Bangladesh T20I series
Paul Stirling (Capt), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Tom Mayes, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.

Ireland squad for Bangladesh Test Match
Andrew Balbirnie (Capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Murray Commins, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White.