On Monday, Cricket Ireland confirmed that Lorcan Tucker is the new T20 International captain of their men’s team. He will lead a revamped squad in the two-match series against Team India this week. Tucker, 29, has 159 caps for Ireland so far in all formats, having debuted in 2016. He has previously captained ‘Leinster Lightning’ in domestic competitions and has also filled in as Ireland’s captain twice.
Lorcan Tucker said, “It’s obviously a great privilege, and not one I thought would arrive when I started my career all those years ago. There’s a feeling of responsibility to the playing group and organisation to represent them well and also to all the other captains who came before me. I look back with admiration at all the captains that have led Ireland in the past and am proud to now join them.”
Six players were unavailable for selection
Six players were unavailable for selection due to injuries, including Josh Little (stress fracture), Paul Stirling (rectus muscle tear), Mark Adair (calf muscle tear), Curtis Campher (arm fracture), Barry McCarthy (complete ACL tear) and Jordan Neal (shoulder and leg injuries).
Ireland has included three uncapped players in its 14-member squad. Reuben Wilson, Jay Moondra, and Matt Hollard have received their first-time opportunities. Wilson made his Test debut against New Zealand last month. Fast bowlers Jay Moondra and Matt Hollard could make their first appearances for Ireland in any format. Liam McCarthy will also be playing in only his second T20 International.
Leg-spin all-rounder Gavin Hoey has also been included in the T20 squad for the first time. He replaces Ben White. Experienced fast bowler Craig Young has been left out. Top-order batsman Stephen Doheny has been included in the squad in place of Sam Topping.
On his approach to captaincy, Tucker said, “My approach to the captaincy is to lead from within and by example. I’d like to think I have good relationships with all the staff and players and can act with honesty and empathy. I feel like it’s my job to bring the best out of them and give them the opportunity to do amazing things for themselves and us as a team. If I ask things of them, I’d want it to be clear that I’d asked those things of myself first.”
He also added, “India are an absolute powerhouse when it comes to T20 cricket. We are fortunate to be able to measure ourselves against them right at the start of our new cycle and there will be no tougher challenge for our group than what they will offer. Coming out of the IPL, there will undoubtedly be players who want to make an impact on the international scene. I hope that we can spoil a few of those parties they might have planned and show that we also are here to make an impact.”
Ireland squad:
Lorcan Tucker (c), Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Matthew Humphreys, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Hollard, Liam McCarthy, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Reuben Wilson
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