DUBLIN — In a move that signals a fresh look towards the future, Cricket Ireland has announced a 15-player squad for the upcoming T20I series against England, with uncapped batter and wicketkeeper Ben Calitz earning his first senior call-up. The three-match series, the first bilateral T20I contest between the sides to be held in Ireland, commences on May 22nd at Headingley before moving to Malahide for the final two fixtures on May 24th and 26th.
The inclusion of the 23-year-old Calitz, who has been in impressive form for the Northern Knights in the inter-provincial series, is the headline selection. Hailing from Pretoria, South Africa, but now a key part of Ireland's domestic structure, Calitz has been recognized for his explosive batting in the middle order and his agile work behind the stumps. His selection follows a similar path to that of recent successful additions to the Irish setup, rewarding consistent domestic performance.
A New Face Between the Stumps
The wicketkeeping position has been a topic of discussion for Ireland since the retirement of Niall O'Brien. While Lorcan Tucker has firmly established himself as the first-choice gloveman in all formats, the selectors have been keen to identify and develop a capable understudy. Calitz's inclusion provides exactly that, offering a specialist backup option and adding depth to the batting lineup. His domestic statistics, particularly his strike rate, have clearly caught the eye of the national selectors.
Chair of National Men's Selectors, Andrew White, expressed his enthusiasm for the new call-up, stating: "Ben has been a consistent performer in the inter-pros over the past 18 months and has really developed his game to suit the demands of the top level. He offers us a dynamic option in the middle order and provides excellent cover behind the stumps. This is a well-deserved opportunity for him to step into the international environment."
Squad Balance and Returning Experience
While Calitz is the new face, the squad is heavily bolstered by the return of several key players who were absent during the recent series against Pakistan. The most notable returns are those of pace bowlers Josh Little and Mark Adair, who bring a wealth of experience and wicket-taking threat to the attack. Their presence significantly strengthens Ireland's bowling arsenal against a powerful English batting lineup.
The squad, to be led by Paul Stirling, boasts a strong core of experienced players, including:
- Andrew Balbirnie
- Gareth Delany
- George Dockrell
- Barry McCarthy
- Harry Tector
This blend of established stars and new talent is a deliberate strategy. White explained the selection philosophy: "With a T20 World Cup on the horizon next year, we are very much in a phase of building depth and assessing our options. This series against the reigning world champions is the perfect test for our players and allows us to see how they perform under the highest pressure. Ben’s selection is part of that process, but we also have the experience needed to be competitive."
The Challenge of Facing the World Champions
The series represents a formidable challenge for Ireland. England, the 2022 T20 World Cup champions, are consistently ranked among the top teams in the world and possess a deep and destructive batting order alongside a varied and skilled bowling attack. For Ireland, these matches are more than just fixtures; they are valuable opportunities to measure themselves against the very best.
The historical context adds another layer of intrigue. While the teams have met in global tournaments, this bilateral T20I series in Ireland is a first. It follows a thrilling three-match ODI series in 2023 that captivated fans, and expectations are high for another closely contested battle. The matches at Malahide are already sold out, promising a electric atmosphere.
A Stepping Stone to the Future
For Ben Calitz, this call-up is the culmination of years of hard work and a testament to the pathway system in Irish cricket. His journey from the club scene to the inter-provincial tournament and now to the international stage is a blueprint for aspiring cricketers in Ireland. His role on this tour may initially be as a squad player, but his mere presence is a sign of the selectors' intent to build for the long term.
The series is a crucial part of Ireland's preparation for a busy summer and the broader World Cup cycle. Performance in these high-profile games can cement places and build confidence. As Andrew White concluded: "Every match against a top-tier nation is a learning experience and a chance to show our growth. We’re excited to see what this group can achieve."
The first T20I begins at Headingley, Leeds on Wednesday, 22nd May, with the action then shifting to the sold-out Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin for the second and third matches on Friday, 24th May and Sunday, 26th May. All eyes will be on the blend of Irish experience and new blood as they take on the world's best.
Ireland Men's T20I Squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz (uncapped), Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.