DUBAI — As the clock ticks down to the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, Ireland's preparations are entering a critical phase. Fast bowler Mark Adair believes the team's upcoming tri-series against Italy and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai will be the perfect final tune-up, providing the ideal conditions to fine-tune their game before the global showpiece begins in June.
The Final Preparatory Frontier
For Adair and his teammates, the trip to the UAE is more than just a routine bilateral series. It represents a strategic move to acclimatize to conditions that closely mirror what they expect to face in the Caribbean. The pitches in Dubai, known for their even bounce and tendency to slow down as the match progresses, offer a valuable simulation for the varied surfaces across the World Cup venues. Adair emphasized the importance of this specific preparation, stating, "These games give us the best opportunity to get everyone ready, to get our skills up to speed, and to play in conditions that are probably as close as we can get to the Caribbean."
The tri-series, running from October 18th to 27th, sees Ireland play four T20 Internationals—two against each opponent. This condensed schedule is designed to test squad depth, allow for tactical experimentation, and build crucial match rhythm. With the World Cup squad yet to be finalized, it's a golden chance for players on the fringes to press their claims. The series also marks a significant moment for Italian cricket, as they host a Full Member nation for the first time, adding a layer of competitive intrigue to the fixtures.
Building on a Foundation of Success
Ireland's confidence heading into this final preparatory block is buoyed by a highly successful 2023. The team secured a historic first-ever Test victory over a Full Member nation (England) at Lord's, claimed a series win in the ODI format against the same opposition, and enjoyed a strong run in T20Is. This period of growth has solidified their identity as a dangerous, unpredictable side capable of beating anyone on their day. Key to this has been the development of a potent bowling attack, with Adair at its heart.
Adair himself has become a lynchpin of the Irish attack across all formats. His ability to swing the new ball, execute precise yorkers at the death, and contribute handy lower-order runs makes him a quintessential modern T20 cricketer. Reflecting on the team's evolution and the upcoming challenge, he noted the importance of momentum: "We've had a good 12-18 months as a group. The key now is taking that confidence and translating it into performances in conditions that will demand adaptability and smart cricket."
The Tri-Series Opposition: A Closer Look
While Ireland will be firm favourites, both Italy and the UAE present unique challenges that are perfect for World Cup preparation:
- Italy: Coached by former South African star Nicky Boje, the Azzurri are an emerging force in Associate cricket. Their squad features a blend of experienced players of Italian heritage and young talent from the domestic system. They will be fiercely competitive on home soil (the series is hosted at the ICC Academy in Dubai, but is considered Italy's 'home' series) and offer Ireland a taste of the passionate, underdog spirit they will face from other Associate nations at the World Cup.
- United Arab Emirates: As the host nation, the UAE boasts intimate knowledge of the Dubai conditions. A side packed with experienced T20 campaigners from the franchise circuit, they are masters of crafting innings on slower tracks and possess a crafty spin attack. Facing the UAE will force Ireland to problem-solve in real-time, a skill imperative for World Cup success.
Adair acknowledged the value of this varied opposition, stating, "Playing against different styles is exactly what we need. Italy will be hungry to prove themselves, and the UAE know these conditions inside out. We can't afford to switch off for a ball." This mindset is crucial as Ireland looks to sharpen its game against the diverse range of teams in their World Cup group, which includes cricketing giants like India and Pakistan, as well as fellow competitors Canada and the USA.
World Cup Ambitions and Strategy
Ireland finds itself in Group A of the T20 World Cup, a challenging but navigable path. To progress to the Super Eight stage, they will likely need to win at least two of their four matches. The fixtures against co-hosts USA and Canada are viewed as must-win encounters, while matches against India and Pakistan present opportunities for seismic upsets. The experience gained in Dubai—particularly in managing pressure in close games and setting or chasing par totals on tricky wickets—will be directly transferable to the Caribbean.
The team's strategy is expected to revolve around aggressive intent with the bat, leveraging power-hitters like Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, and the emerging Harry Tector. The bowling unit, led by Adair and featuring the crafty left-arm spin of George Dockrell and the raw pace of Josh Little, will aim to take early wickets and stifle the middle overs. Fielding, an area where Ireland has often excelled, will be another focal point in Dubai. Adair summed up the collective goal succinctly: "It's about putting all the pieces together. We have the skill. This series is about making sure our decision-making under pressure and our execution are at World Cup level."
A Squad Ready for the Challenge
The squad selected for the Dubai tri-series is nearly at full strength, signalling the seriousness with which Cricket Ireland is treating these final rehearsals. Alongside established stars, the inclusion of players like leg-spinner Ben White and batter Lorcan Tucker provides balance and options. The leadership group, under captain Paul Stirling and head coach Heinrich Malan, will be using these matches to finalize their best XI and establish clear roles for each player within the game plan.
For Mark Adair, these games are the final stepping stone in a long journey of preparation. From strength and conditioning camps to domestic tournaments and previous international series, every element has been building towards the World Cup. The Dubai tri-series is the last piece of the puzzle, a chance to build cohesion, confidence, and crucially, winning momentum. As he looks ahead, his focus is clear: "We're not going just to participate. We've shown we belong on the big stage. The goal is to get out of our group and cause some damage. It starts with performing well in Dubai."
As the Irish team touches down in the Emirates, the blend of excitement and purpose is palpable. The matches against Italy and the UAE may not carry the global prestige of a World Cup clash, but their importance cannot be overstated. They are the final exam before the main event, a chance to iron out flaws, solidify partnerships, and enter the tournament with a well-oiled machine. For Irish cricket fans, the journey to the West Indies and USA begins now, in the desert heat of Dubai, with Mark Adair and his teammates poised to make their progress count.