ENG vs IRE: Conor Olphert to miss Lord's Test with knee issue, Matthew Foster called up

DUBLIN – Cricket Ireland has confirmed Matthew Foster has been called up to the Ireland Men’s Test squad after Conor Olphert was forced to withdraw ahead of the squad’s departure for the Test Match against England Men from June 1-4.

Foster, 23, is a right-arm seamer who plays club cricket for CSNI in Belfast and Inter-Provincial cricket for the Northern Knights. Initially called up ahead of the recent tour of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Foster had to withdraw as his rehabilitation from an early injury hadn’t been completed in time. He took 3-26 for the Northern Knights against Leinster Lightning last week in his first List A match of the new season. Foster will join up with the squad ahead of departure to England on May 25 evening.

Olphert, who was progressing well throughout the winter and pre-season periods with an ongoing knee issue, has unfortunately experienced a recurrence of his symptoms over the last few weeks and has been unable to get it under control in time to be fit to play a Test Match despite his and the medical staff’s best efforts. He will now undergo fresh investigations as well as a period of rehabilitation.

Fixtures

26-28 May: Essex Men v Ireland Men – 1^st Class Match (Chelmsford)

1-4 June: England Men v Ireland Men – Test Match (Lord’s)

Ireland squad:

Andrew Balbirnie (C), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Matthew Foster, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young