Getkate recalled, Adair rested as Ireland name T20I squad

DUBLIN: Ireland have made only one change from their squad which drew 1-1 against reigning world champions in the format, West Indies, with Getkate replacing Mark Adair who is managing an ankle injury.

The squad will travel to India to take on Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series with all three fixtures scheduled to take place in Greater Noida, a location which has become Afghanistan’s home away from home.

The first T20I will be played on March 6. Andrew White, the Chair of National Men’s Selectors, felt the series offered a chance for players to stake a claim for a spot in Ireland’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020.

“With the T20 World Cup approaching in October, the selectors are looking to provide an opportunity for players to test themselves in various conditions, while [Head Coach] Graham Ford searches for the right combinations and tactics that we will take into the World Cup,” White said in a press release.

“The squad that performed so well in the recent West Indies series will get another opportunity to show what they can offer, against familiar but formidable opponents in this format of the game.

“While it is unfortunate Mark Adair will not be travelling, this opens up an opportunity for Shane Getkate, who missed out on the Caribbean tour.” Adair took six wickets in Ireland’s Test against England in 2019, but will miss the Afghanistan series through injury.

Adair played only the third T20I of their series against West Indies, going for 22 runs in his two overs as Lendl Simmons blitzed an unbeaten 40-ball 91 to lead the hosts to a comfortable victory.

Getkate meanwhile last played a T20I during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier which was held in UAE late last year. He appeared twice over the tournament, with his one wicket coming during Ireland’s successful third-place play-off match against Namibia. Adair finished the tournament as Ireland’s top wicket-taker with 12, along with an impressive economy rate of under five, and appearing in every game for his side.

“We are confident that we have selected a well-balanced side, but we will be looking for greater consistency as the year progresses. The last tour gave us an insight into this Irish side’s potential - by beating the World Champions in their own backyard, but there is no doubt the players will be keen to show those performances on a more regular basis.”

Squad: Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.