Essex v Ireland
Tourist Match (first-class)
Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 May
11am Start
Essex welcome Ireland to Chelmsford in a three-day Tourist fixture in the lead up to their one off Test Match at Lord’s against England next week.
The hosts come off the back of a draw away at Trent Bridge against Nottinghamshire but will put out a much changed side against Ireland.
Ireland return to CM2 after taking on Bangladesh in three ODI’s earlier this month. Four Ireland squad members will feature for the hosts with the majority of the Essex T20 regulars taking part in Second XI fixtures in preparation for the beginning of the Club’s Vitality Blast campaign.
Squad:
There are a number of changes to the Essex squad to face Ireland, with several players preparing for the beginning of the Vitality Blast campaign. Noah Thain who signed his first rookie summer contract earlier this week is in line to make his debut.
Four Ireland squad players will also play for Essex in preparation for their Test Match against England at Lord’s.
Cricket Ireland today confirmed Paul Stirling will join the Ireland Men’s squad on 27 May and play Day Two and Three of the match.
Stirling, who is currently playing on a short-term contract as an overseas layer with Warwickshire County Cricket Club in the T20 Blast, will play Friday’s fixture against Leicestershire Foxes before travelling to Essex to join the Ireland Test squad.
Ireland squad: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
The Opposition:
The game, which takes place between Friday 26 and Sunday 28 May, will be Ireland’s final preparation before their stand-alone Test Match against England at Lord’s.
Andrew Balbirnie’s side are gearing up for a return to Test Match cricket after their last thrilling outing at Lord’s in 2019, where they reduced England to 85 all out in their first innings before a second innings comeback saw England win by 143 runs.
Ireland return to Chelmsford after recently taking on Bangladesh at The Cloud County Ground in three ODI’s. The visitors were in need of a 3-0 series victory to qualify for the World Cup later this year, but their hopes were quickly dashed after the opening game was washed out.
Essex Injury Update:
Luc Benkenstein:
The young all-rounder has got a stress fracture in his back. He is currently rehabbing and resting.
Aaron Beard:
Aaron is currently rehabbing after suffering from a side strain. He is completing a back to bowling plan and is currently not match ready yet.
Ben Allison:
The 23-year-old had a minor side injury and is recovering well. The Medical team are taking precautionary measures with him.
How To Watch:
If you’re unable to attend, the game will be streamed live and available to watch via the Essex Cricket Matchzone.
Watching from afar? A live stream will be available on all three days of the game via the Club’s Matchzone or Essex Cricket TV YouTube channel.
