Paul Stirling has been ruled out of Ireland’s one-off Test against New Zealand national cricket team at Stormont after suffering a calf injury.
The experienced batter had briefly fielded during Ireland’s Emerald Challenge first-class fixture but was not fit enough to bat. Ireland coach Heinrich Malan confirmed that Stirling could remain sidelined until early July.
The 35-year-old has not batted competitively since sustaining a knee ligament injury during Ireland’s T20 World Cup defeat against Australia in February.
Ireland Face Injury Concerns Before Test
Malan revealed scans confirmed a grade-two calf strain for Stirling, adding that the rehabilitation process could take four to five weeks before the batter regains full fitness.
Ireland have also been hit by other injury setbacks ahead of the Test. Leg-spinning all-rounder Gavin Hoey is unavailable because of a side strain, while fast bowler Barry McCarthy misses out with a knee ligament injury.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Curtis Campher is expected to feature primarily as a batter against New Zealand.
Balbirnie Wants Ireland To Enjoy Occasion
Andrew Balbirnie said Ireland must embrace the challenge of facing New Zealand despite limited preparation and infrequent Test matches.
The Ireland skipper admitted the team are not fully prepared compared to other major Test-playing nations but urged players to approach the contest with confidence and positivity.
Balbirnie added that Ireland’s inclusion in the ICC World Test Championship in future could help improve the nation’s first-class cricket structure and provide more opportunities in the longest format.
Ireland Squad For New Zealand Test
Ireland squad: Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, Stephen Doheny, Jake Egan, Matthew Humphreys, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Reuben Wilson and Craig Young.
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