Angus Dunlop (YMCA), Ryan Eagleson and Derek Heasley (both Carrickfergus) have been omitted from the Ireland squad for the annual three-day match against Scotland at Malahide from August 9th to 11th. Alan Lewis, who became Ireland's most-capped cricketer during last week's Triple Crown campaign, was not available for selection.
The squad shows three changes compared to the Triple Crown party. Decker Curry (Limavady) and Mark Patterson (Surrey) replace Dunlop and Eagleson, while the uncapped Paul Mooney (The Hills) comes in as 12th man.
Neither Dunlop nor Eagleson were convincing in last week's opening match, against England, and were left out for the subsequent games against Scotland and Wales; Patterson was an original choice, but dropped out because of injury. Johnny Byrne (Leinster), Ed Joyce (Merrion) and John Davy (Pembroke), who won their first caps last week, have been retained in the team.
Several of the Ireland Under-19 side which recently qualified for the Youth World Cup in South Africa next January will start their preparation for that competition next week, courtesy of the Ulster Bank Cricket Academy sponsorship. Over the coming fortnight, the players will undergo an intensive course of coaching and training, first at Civil Service CC, and then at Muckamore CC, under the guidance of national coach Mike Hendrick and Ulster development officer Garfield Harrison.
The course will include advice on fitness training, diet and sports psychology. "This will be our first session after Bermuda and will help us plan our autumn schedule in preparation for South Africa", commented Hendrick.
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