|| Desk Report ||

Ireland led by skipper Andrew Balbirnie are set to start their World Cup Super League campaign with these three matches in Southampton.

This will also mark their return to cricket after the coronavirus pandemic-enforced break.

The 21-man squad will board for Southampton through a special charter flight on July 18 following the COVID-19 protocols. They will then be transported in a biosecure bus to the hotel on the Ageas Bowl grounds, where they will stay there until 5 August.

Out of a 21-man training squad, the best 14 will be selected for the series, and other seven players will stay as cover.

“The squad selected covers all eventualities – we’ve picked players that are in obvious contention to play, but also players that will help our batters prepare for the type of opposition we’ll be facing,” said Andrew White.

“We’re delighted that our top wicket-taker in 2019, Mark Adair, returns after recovering from ankle surgery ... While a number of players like Stuart Thompson and Shane Getkate are unfortunate to not be travelling, the experience that will be gained on this trip by a number of the younger players will be invaluable in their development,” chair of selectors White said in a press release.

“David Delany was not considered for selection this time. As a result of his previous surgery, and the subsequent extended lockdown period, we were not fully confident that he has had the time to complete the necessary amount of preparation in order to safely play in these matches,” he added.