Paul Stirling named stand-in captain of Ireland in place of Gary Wilson

After the Quadrangular series in Oman, Ireland will travel to India where they will play three T20Is, five ODIs and one Test against Afghanistan in Dehradun.

Cricket Ireland on Monday announced Paul Stirling as the stand-in captain for the Quadrangular series in Oman and the following Afghanistan series in Dehradun, India after regular skipper Gary Wilson misses out due to an eye condition. The 28-year-old Stirling, who has played 100 ODIs and scored 3346 runs at an average of 34.85, will be leading Ireland for the first time when they series in Oman begins next month.

“It’s a privilege to have been asked to captain the side in Gary’s absence, I will relish the challenge,” Stirling was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

“Having started off in this side as a young player in 2008, the influence of senior players like Trent Johnston, Kyle McCallan, Andrew White and Ed Joyce were huge in developing the cricketer and the person. Myself, along with the other senior players and management in this squad, will look to create an environment where players coming through who are hungry for success can flourish both on and off the field.” (ALSO READ: Ireland, Afghanistan tweak series dates due to early Indian Premier League start)

The selectors have named few uncapped players in the side who impressed during the ongoing Ireland Wolves tour of Sri Lanka.

“With regards to some of the new faces, there is no denying the performances of James McCollum, James Cameron-Dow, Shane Getkate and Harry Tector on the current Ireland Wolves tour have impressed selectors,” Chairman of selectors, Andrew White said.

After the Quadrangular series in Oman, Ireland will travel to India where they will play three T20Is, five ODIs and one Test against Afghanistan in Dehradun.

Quadrangular tournament squad: Paul Stirling (captain), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Harry Tector, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker

Afghanistan series T20 squad: Paul Stirling (captain), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Shane Getkate, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, James Shannon, Simi Singh, Harry Tector, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker

Afghanistan series ODI squad: William Porterfield (captain), Andrew Balbirnie, James Cameron-Dow, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker

Afghanistan series Test squad: William Porterfield (captain), Andrew Balbirnie, James Cameron-Dow, George Dockrell, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Stuart Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker