Ireland’s cricket team is facing a couple of setbacks as they prepare for their One-Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies, starting on 21 May in Dublin. Fast bowler Craig Young and all-rounder Curtis Campher have both been ruled out due to injuries, necessitating some last-minute changes.
Young, who picked up a hamstring injury during an Inter-Provincial Cup match for North West Warriors, has seen his place taken by Jordan Neill. He exited the match against Leinster Lightning unable to complete his ninth over, despite managing to take the wicket of Barry McCarthy. The remainder of that over was completed by Scott MacBeth.
As for Campher, he sustained a fracture to his finger while batting in the nets recently. Wicketkeeper-batter Stephen Doheny has been named as his replacement. These losses add to Ireland’s growing list of injured players, with key bowler Mark Adair also sidelined as he recovers from a knee injury.
Andrew White, the national selector, noted the challenges these injuries pose. “It’s not ideal when you lose a player to injury just prior to a series,” he remarked. “Most pertinently, our seam attack is heavily impacted with Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Craig Young, Fionn Hand and Curtis Campher all out.” Nevertheless, White sees this as a chance for emerging players to step up against top-tier opposition.
Paul Stirling, Ireland’s captain, shares this optimistic view. “Yeah, look it’s unfortunate that injuries happen in sport, and I think you’ve got to look at the positive side of this,” he said. Stirling emphasised the opportunity for newer squad members to play more matches, which he believes will be beneficial in the long run.
Doheny, selected as Campher’s replacement, previously participated in ODIs during Ireland’s tour of South Africa in the UAE last October. He recently impressed in the domestic circuit with a century for Munster Reds. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Jordan Neill joins the squad as the fourth uncapped player, alongside Cade Carmichael and seamers Thomas Mayes and Liam McCarthy.
The three-match ODI series will take place in Dublin on 21, 23, and 25 May, followed by three T20Is in Bready on 12, 14, and 15 June.
