Paul Stirling to lead Ireland into ODI series in England

Paul Stirling will captain Ireland and open the batting alongside former skipper Andrew Balbirnie for their upcoming three-match ODI series against England in September.

The 15-man squad for the series was named on Friday and will feature three matches played at Headingley (Leeds), Trent Bridge (Nottingham) and The Seat Unique Stadium (Bristol).

"While the squad has an overall familiar shape, there are several important changes we are going to look at," said former all-rounder and current selector, Andrew White.

"The key changes are at the top of the order where Andrew Balbirnie will open with Paul Stirling. The pair have a great understanding and we believe they can develop into a longer term opening option in the 50-over game.

"Along with this, Curtis Campher will make the move to number 3, where we believe he has the technique and aptitude to succeed in the role – he plays pace as well as anyone in the squad, and whilst he has been a mainstay of our middle order for a few years now, we believe he has the capability to batter higher up the order and have a really positive impact.

"We see this series as important in the development and evolution of our one-day squad and the players are certainly looking forward to locking horns with England for the first time in ODIs since 2020."

Ireland squad: Paul Stirling (capt), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Theo van Woerkom, Craig Young

20 September: England Men v Ireland Men – 1st ODI (Headingley)

23 September: England Men v Ireland Men – 2nd ODI (Trent Bridge)

26 September: England Men v Ireland Men – 3rd ODI (Bristol)