O Brien ruled out of Ireland team

KevIRL

O'Brien ruled out of Ireland team


Wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien has been ruled out of the Ireland team for this weekend's Friends Provident Trophy games against Somerset and Hampshire.
Northants need O'Brien this weekend and if he plays for the English county, he will be ineligible for Ireland's remaining Friends Provident games.

Surrey player Gary Wilson takes O'Brien's place in the Ireland squad.

Boyd Rankin and Eoin Morgan miss out because of their county duties but new signing Nantie Hayward is available.

The former South African Test player will open the bowling in the absence of Rankin.

Twenty-five-year-old O'Brien made his Championship debut for Northants on Wednesday against Essex.

New Ireland coach Phil Simmons is expecting better performances this weekend after their opening defeat by Kent on Sunday.

"The players weren't at their best last week, which could be put down to mental tiredness following a hectic few months," said Simmons.

"I expect them to be much sharper this weekend, and will be looking for improvement.

"It won't be easy facing Somerset and Hampshire, but the arrival of Hayward will give us a boost.


"I've heard good reports about Gary Wilson, and he has a great opportunity to stake a regular place in the team."


Ireland squad: T Johnston, A Botha, J Bray, K Carroll, P Gillespie, N Hayward, D Langford-Smith, J Mooney, K McCallan, K O'Brien, W Porterfield, A White, G Wilson.

mikeruurds

KevIRL wrote:

O'Brien ruled out of Ireland team


Wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien has been ruled out of the Ireland team for this weekend's Friends Provident Trophy games against Somerset and Hampshire.
Northants need O'Brien this weekend and if he plays for the English county, he will be ineligible for Ireland's remaining Friends Provident games.

Surrey player Gary Wilson takes O'Brien's place in the Ireland squad.

Boyd Rankin and Eoin Morgan miss out because of their county duties but new signing Nantie Hayward is available.

The former South African Test player will open the bowling in the absence of Rankin.

Twenty-five-year-old O'Brien made his Championship debut for Northants on Wednesday against Essex.

New Ireland coach Phil Simmons is expecting better performances this weekend after their opening defeat by Kent on Sunday.

"The players weren't at their best last week, which could be put down to mental tiredness following a hectic few months," said Simmons.

"I expect them to be much sharper this weekend, and will be looking for improvement.

"It won't be easy facing Somerset and Hampshire, but the arrival of Hayward will give us a boost.


"I've heard good reports about Gary Wilson, and he has a great opportunity to stake a regular place in the team."


Ireland squad: T Johnston, A Botha, J Bray, K Carroll, P Gillespie, N Hayward, D Langford-Smith, J Mooney, K McCallan, K O'Brien, W Porterfield, A White, G Wilson.

How does Mornantau (Nantie) Hayward qualify to play for Ireland? Has he been living here a while?

I'm just curious. It's good to see another South African in Ireland regardless

TrueDub

mikeruurds wrote:

How does Mornantau (Nantie) Hayward qualify to play for Ireland? Has he been living here a while?

I'm just curious. It's good to see another South African in Ireland regardless

He doesn't - he's playing as an overseas professional. In this competition Ireland are considered a county side and are entitled to play 2 overseas pros - last year it was Mushtaq and Shahid Afridi.

mikeruurds

TrueDub wrote:

He doesn't - he's playing as an overseas professional. In this competition Ireland are considered a county side and are entitled to play 2 overseas pros - last year it was Mushtaq and Shahid Afridi.

Silly me. That makes sense. Thanks TrueDub.

I can remember Nantie when he was playing for Eastern Province as a teenager. I come from that part of the world

TrueDub

mikeruurds wrote:

Silly me. That makes sense. Thanks TrueDub.

I can remember Nantie when he was playing for Eastern Province as a teenager. I come from that part of the world

Around PE? I spent a brilliant month in SA about 4 years ago - loved the place. Did the garden route from Cape Town out, then flew to Durban, went to a mate's wedding, then a game park, onwards to Sun City and home. Couldn't recommend it more highly.

Placebo

TrueDub wrote:

He doesn't - he's playing as an overseas professional. In this competition Ireland are considered a county side and are entitled to play 2 overseas pros - last year it was Mushtaq and Shahid Afridi.

for ireland? they were here? DAYM.