Ireland select an experienced squad

Ireland coach Phil Simmons has kept faith with the players who won both their World Cup qualifying games against the United Arab Emirates in March to stay in pole position to reach the 2015 finals.

Simmons, who has been in charge of Ireland for just over six years and 177 games, is hoping for another major scalp in the two matches against Pakistan at Clontarf.

“We’ve always got a chance in our conditions,” Simmons said. “We’ve turned in some strong performances in recent years especially against England and Australia and lost matches we should have won.

“We’re getting stronger all the time and we’ll be well prepared and try to put them under pressure from the start.

“There’s a great atmosphere at Clontarf with the Irish fans behind us, and with a full house expected for both games, I’m hoping they can get us over the line against Pakistan. It’s certain to be a great carnival of cricket over the two days.

“We know how important it is to keep the momentum going with Irish cricket and we’ll be looking for headline victories in our marquee games this year.”

On the question of the squad selection, Simmons has gone for the tried and trusted but insists the door is not closed to young players coming along Cricket Ireland’s pathways towards the national team. He said: “I like having experienced players with a sprinkling of youth to keep things fresh and that’s what we have now.

“This is more or less a settled squad and it’s up to those on the outside to force their way into the reckoning. There’s plenty of chances available for them to do just that with Ireland A fixtures and of course the RSA Inter-Provincial Series.”

Tickets for the matches at Clontarf on Thursday May 23 and Sunday May 26 can be purchased at www.cricketireland.ie.