Ireland unveils T20I squad for Bangladesh tour, Mark Adair returns

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Cricket Ireland have announced their T20I squad for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh, with two star seamers making their long-awaited returns. Both fast bowlers had missed the recent T20I series against England due to injuries, but their inclusion comes as a significant boost for Ireland’s plans ahead of next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.

Mark Adair, who underwent knee surgery in August, has recovered fully and is set to spearhead the pace attack once again. Joshua Little, sidelined due to a side strain, has also been declared fit to play. Their return adds much-needed experience and firepower to Ireland’s bowling lineup, which struggled for consistency during their previous outings.

The pair’s availability couldn’t have come at a better time, as Ireland look to fine-tune their combinations in subcontinental conditions similar to those expected at the World Cup. Adair’s ability to deliver at the death and Little’s sharp pace and variations make them a formidable duo capable of troubling opposition batters on any surface.

The Paul Stirling-led side features a mix of experience and promising young talent. Batter Tim Tector makes his return to the T20I squad after missing the England series, while Ben Calitz, who impressed on debut against England, retains his place. Calitz’s inclusion reflects the selectors’ intent to nurture young talent and provide them with opportunities to settle into international cricket.

Of the 15 players picked, 11 were part of Ireland’s 2023 tour of Bangladesh, maintaining a strong core group familiar with the conditions. The selectors have opted for continuity while adding a few fresh faces to strengthen the squad’s balance.

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The squad remains largely unchanged from the one that faced England, with the only new additions being Adair, Little, and Tector. Jordan Neill and Graham Hume were the notable omissions from that series, as Ireland focused on a more pace-heavy lineup suited to Bangladesh’s pitches.

With Stirling at the helm, Ireland will look to build on their attacking brand of cricket, emphasizing flexibility in batting order and depth in bowling options. Stirling’s leadership, coupled with the experience of campaigners like Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, and George Dockrell, provides the squad with a balanced blend of youth and experience.

Ireland’s T20I squad for Bangladesh tour:

Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.

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