Ireland's cricket team has announced its squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe, highlighting the selection of 25-year-old batter Morgan Topping for both the Test and ODI formats. Topping, hailing from Waringstown, has made a significant impact in club cricket, emerging as a prolific run-scorer and establishing himself as a top-order batsman for the Northern Knights in recent seasons.
The ODI squad will be led by Paul Stirling, featuring notable players such as Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, and Gavin Hoey. Topping's inclusion marks a significant milestone in his career as he earns his first international call-up. Andrew White, the national selector, expressed confidence in Topping's abilities, stating, "Morgan Topping has demonstrated key attributes needed to perform at international level over recent Wolves and Academy fixtures and we wish him well."
Ireland is set to face Zimbabwe in a Test match in Bulawayo from February 6 to 10, followed by three ODIs and three T20 encounters in Harare. The Test squad also includes Andrew Balbirnie as captain, along with Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, and others. Meanwhile, the T20 squad sees Stirling at the helm once again.
With Gareth Delany and Barry McCarthy returning to the squad after injury setbacks, Ireland's team looks strong. Notably, paceman Josh Little also returns after making a significant impact during the last tour in Zimbabwe. White remarked on the team's composition, saying, "It's going to be exciting to see our two young spinners and the likes of Ross Adair again in action alongside the experienced players and we do, of course, have the return of Josh Little who had a big impact the last time we were in Zimbabwe."
Gavin Hoey retains his place in the ODI squad and is poised for a potential Test debut. He made his international debut in October and has displayed promising talent since then.
The inclusion of Topping signals Ireland's commitment to nurturing young talent while balancing experience within the squad. As they prepare for this competitive tour, the team's focus will be on building momentum and achieving success against their Zimbabwean counterparts.
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