Dublin:Cricket Ireland named a 21-member training squad led by skipper Andrew Balbirnie ahead of their three ODIs against England in July-August.
Ireland are set to begin their World Cup Super League campaign with these three matches in Southampton, which will also mark their return to cricket after the pandemic-enforced break.
As per COVID-19 protocols, the squad will depart Dublin on 18 July on a special charter flight to Southampton. They will then be transported in bio-secure buses to the hotel on the Ageas Bowl grounds, where they will stay until 5 August.
From the training squad, 14 will be chosen for the series, with the other seven players staying on as cover.
"The squad selected covers all eventualities ? we have 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, chair of selectors, in a statement.
''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 to be travelling, the experience that will be gained on this trip by a number of the younger players will be invaluable in their development.
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.
Ireland are scheduled to play two warm-up matches before the ODIs against England on July 30, August 1 and 4.
Squad: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling (vc), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Peter Chase, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Jonathan Garth, Tyrone Kane, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, James McCollum, Kevin O'Brien, William Porterfield, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Gary Wilson, Craig Young.(UNI)
