Ireland announces T20I squad for home series against England, Ben Calitz receives maiden international call-up

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Ireland have unveiled their 14-member T20I squad for the upcoming home series against England, with 23-year-old Ben Calitz earning his maiden international call-up. The left-handed batter and wicketkeeper, originally from Canada, has impressed selectors with his domestic performances and now gets the chance to represent Ireland on the international stage.

Calitz moved to Ireland in 2022 and has since featured for Munster Reds and Northern Knights in domestic competitions. Earlier this year, he was part of the Ireland Wolves’ UAE tour, where he showcased his batting depth and wicketkeeping skills. His inclusion not only provides a fresh option in the middle order but also gives Ireland a second wicketkeeping choice alongside Lorcan Tucker – a crucial move ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

National selector Andrew White described Calitz’s selection as a strategic step, noting that his left-handed batting and versatility behind the stumps will offer Ireland more balance in pressure situations.

Ireland’s squad for the England series is notable for the absence of senior bowlers Josh Little, Mark Adair and Fionn Hand, all ruled out due to injuries. While their absence is a blow, it creates opportunities for other bowlers to make an impression in the build-up to the World Cup.

Experienced names such as Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher and Craig Young return to the squad after proving their fitness during the recent Challenge Series, bolstering both batting and bowling depth. The return of Campher, in particular, is seen as a major boost for the side given his reputation as a dependable all-rounder.

Ireland’s pace attack will now rely on Graham Hume, Barry McCarthy and Craig Young, supported by the spin duo of George Dockrell and Ben White. The squad composition suggests that the Irish side is keen to test its backup options while maintaining a competitive balance against England.

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The three-match T20I series will be played at Malahide, Dublin, on September 17, 19 and 21 marking the first-ever T20I series between Ireland and England hosted on Irish soil. This historic occasion adds further significance to the series, with Ireland eager to make a strong statement against their high-profile neighbours.

England, meanwhile, will arrive with a young squad led by 21-year-old Jacob Bethell. Several senior players have been rested ahead of the upcoming Ashes series, giving England an opportunity to test its bench strength. Despite the absence of star names, England’s squad is expected to pose a formidable challenge given the depth of their domestic system.

For Ireland, the series is more than just a contest with England – it is an important step in fine-tuning combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Selector Andrew White emphasized the significance of these matches, noting that performances here could play a decisive role in final squad selections for the global event.

Paul Stirling (captain), George Dockrell, Harry Tector, Ross Adair, Graham Hume, Lorcan Tucker, Ben Calitz (wicketkeeper-batter), Matthew Humphreys, Ben White, Curtis Campher, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Gareth Delany, Jordan Neil

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