Balbirnie to lead Ireland for WI series

Andrew Balbirnie, who was recently named Ireland captain for all three formats, is set to officially lead them for the first time when Ireland travel to the Caribbean for three one-day internationals and as many T20 internationals in January next year.

Balbirnie was named in charge of 14-man squads for the two bilateral series, announced on Thursday by Cricket Ireland.

The 28-year-old opening batsman was handed over the mantle last month, initially assuming charge of the Test and ODI teams in the aftermath of the resignation of former captain William Porterfield, before replacing Gary Wilson as leader of the T20 outfit, too, in late November.

“The Caribbean tour will be the start of a quite intensive year for the senior men’s team,” Graham Ford, the head coach, said. “We have tours before the start of the home season, hosting several full members in the summer, commence our participation in the ICC World Cup ODI Super League, including playing an ODI series against England, and then head to a T20 World Cup in October. These matches will be the first under Andrew Balbirnie’s leadership, so will be a great first-up challenge for him and one which I know he is looking forward to.”