T20 World Cup 2021: Ireland name 18-man provisional squad, include uncapped Graham Kennedy

Cricket Ireland on September 9 (Thursday) announced an 18-member provision squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be played in the United Arab Emirates and Oman between October 17 and November 14.

Uncapped spinner Graham Kennedy has been named in the squad, while leg-spinner Gareth Delany has been included too, as he makes his comeback after March 2020.

“I think Gareth Delany coming back was a big factor. It’s not something that William McClintock has or has not done that has affected the decision,” Andrew White, Chairman of National Men’s Selectors, said. “I thought the way he was managed through the South Africa series and being involved around the squad and the senior players was crucial to him in making his debut.

“He did everything that was asked of him. But in terms of the balance of the squad obviously with Gareth Delany coming back in and then making sure we had the necessary spinners at our disposal for the conditions that we’re probably going to face in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. There’s IPL coming up now so we expect the pitches to be spinning ones and low and slow so there we had to take that into consideration. Obviously, William was unfortunate to miss out.”

Further, off-spinner Andy McBrine has been included, with Ireland Coach Graham Ford terming him the backup of Simi Singh. “He [McBrine] comes as a back-up,” head coach Graham Ford said. “The way it’s been is that Simi has nailed down a spot. You are going in this World Cup campaign and you have to have cover for Covid or injuries. It’s a no-brainer, he is an automatic pick into the 18.”

We are aware that every game is a major event for us: Ireland Coach Graham Ford

Ireland are grouped with Netherlands, Sri Lanka and Namibia in Round 1 and will open their campaign against the Netherlands on 18 October.

“Netherlands are very competitive,” Ford said. “They beat us not long ago in the 50-over series, they had six players who were involved in the Hundred. There’s guys like Roelof [van der Merwe] that have been around for ages and ages and ignite the energy in the group, so we are well aware that’s going to be a huge game and makes things tougher for us.

“And Namibia – I’ve watched a lot and seen the improvements there. I know they are working damn hard there. They’ve got Albie Morkel helping out. They are in good shape and they are loading up a few South Africans as well. David Wiese is a serious match-winner. We are aware that every game is a major event for us and we are going to have to be at our best and hopefully the lads are up for all of that.”

Ireland Provisional Squad for T20 World Cup 2021: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Graham Kennedy, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Kevin O’Brien, Neil Rock, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young