Under-strength Irish to face India

Friday, June 15, 2007

Cricket: Injuries and unavailability have forced Ireland to name an under-strength 13-man squad for their upcoming one-day internationals against India and South Africa.

The World Cup Super Eight side will be without three of their front line bowlers. Boyd Rankin (broken leg), Andre Botha (elbow) and Dave Langford-Smith (side) all miss out.

Of the batsmen, Eoin Morgan is hoping to qualify for England and will stay at Middlesex while Jeremy Bray has also requested not to be selected.

Peter Gillespie has retired from international cricket.

Ireland play India in Belfast on June 23rd and South Africa the following day.

Coach Phil Simmons said: "The positive aspect to this is that a number of the younger players in the squad will now get a chance to show me what they are capable of.

"They have the opportunity to firmly establish themselves in the squad. I'm already starting to look ahead to the World Cup qualifiers in the UAE in 2009, and the composition of the team."

Ireland squad:  T Johnston (capt), K Carroll, A Cusack, T Fourie, D Joyce, G Kidd, K McCallan, Kevin O'Brien, N O'Brien, W Porterfield, R Whelan, A White, G Wilson.

© 2007 ireland.com