Morgan Topping called up as Ireland head to Zimbabwe for three-format tour

Morgan Topping has been called into the Ireland squad for their upcoming four-week tour to Zimbabwe.

The Waringstown batter received his first call up, having missed out on a previous opportunity through injury and will travel with the squad for the seven-match tour, which includes all three formats of the game.

Topper, a right-handed top-order batter, has proved a prolific run-scorer at club level, and has established himself in the top order of the Northern Knights side in recent seasons.

Ireland will start with a Test match against the host nation in Bulawayo on 6 February before travelling to Harare for a three-game One Day International (ODI) series, followed by a similar length T20 series to complete their schedule.

After making his international debut in October, Pembroke’s Gavin Hoey retains his place in the ODI squad and is in line for a Test debut – Topping and Hoey the only non-capped players in the Test squad.

Andrew Balbirnie will lead the 14-man Test squad, while Paul Stirling will captain the team for the ODI and T20 internationals.

"Since [the Cricket World Cup in] 2007, there has been some wonderful contests against Zimbabwe and this should be no different, and it’s exciting to have all three formats on this tour," said selector Andrew White.

"Morgan Topping has demonstrated key attributes needed to perform at international level over recent Wolves and Academy fixtures and we wish him well.

"It’s going to be exciting to see our two young spinners and the likes of Ross Adair again in action alongside the experienced players and we do, of course, have the return of Josh Little who had a big impact the last time we were in Zimbabwe.

"We also have Gareth Delany and Barry McCarthy returning from injury, while Craig