Ireland pick 5 uncapped players in Andrew Balbirnie-led Test squad for Bangladesh tour

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Ireland have announced a revamped Test squad for their upcoming tour of Bangladesh, with five uncapped players earning maiden call-ups. Skipper Andrew Balbirnie will lead the side in what promises to be a crucial series for Ireland’s red-ball development, as the team aims to build depth and resilience following their previous Test defeat to Bangladesh in 2023.

Cade Carmichael, Liam McCarthy, Jordan Neill, and Stephen Doheny have been handed their maiden Test call-ups, marking a bold move by the selectors to inject new energy into the setup. All-rounder Gavin Hoey, who had previously been part of the Test squad but is yet to make his debut, is also among the uncapped players included for the tour.

The inclusion of these youngsters reflects Cricket Ireland’s long-term strategy of preparing the next generation for the demands of Test cricket. The selectors appear to be banking on the domestic form and potential of these cricketers, who have impressed across formats in recent months.

Ireland’s pace spearhead Mark Adair, who recently recovered from knee surgery, has not been included in the Test squad. Instead, he will feature solely in the T20I leg of the tour as he continues his gradual return to full fitness. His absence in the longer format will likely open the door for emerging pacers to step up in Bangladesh’s challenging conditions.

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The Test team will, however, have experienced names such as Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, and Andy McBrine, whose presence will be vital in guiding the inexperienced players through subcontinental conditions. Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker, who have shown consistency in both limited-overs and red-ball cricket, are also part of the squad, strengthening the middle order.

The tour begins next month, with the opening Test scheduled to start on November 11 in Sylhet, followed by the second Test on November 19 in Dhaka.

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, Stephen Doheny, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Liam McCarthy, Paul Stirling, Jordan Neill, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

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