Ahead of the country’s historic first test match next week, Chairman of the National Men’s selectors Andrew White today announced Ireland’s squad for the game against Pakistan in Malahide (May 11-15).
There was no place in the squad for spinner George Dockrell, all-rounder Simi Singh, batsman Jack Tector or Durham bowler Barry McCarthy.
Leinster Lightening all-rounder Tyrone Kane, Northern Knights spinner James Shannon and Stuart Thompson were all named, along with Australian-born 22 year-old Nathan Smith.
With just one week to go until both sides take the field, Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom announced that over 16,000 tickets had been sold for the game, which just shows the excitement levels around the country.
Here is the Ireland squad for the Test match against Pakistan;
William Porterfield (Capt)
Andrew Balbirnie
Ed Joyce
Tyrone Kane
Andy McBrine
Tim Murtagh
Kevin O’Brien
Niall O’Brien
Boyd Rankin
Nathan Smith
Paul Stirling
James Shannon
Stuart Thompson
Gary Wilson