Ireland has decided to drop Test captain Andy Balbirnie from their T20I squad for the upcoming matches against South Africa in Abu Dhabi later this month, as selectors aim to inject "a new dynamic" into the top order.
Despite being Ireland's second-highest run-scorer in T20Is, Balbirnie has faced challenges this year, averaging 24.83 over 12 innings and maintaining a strike rate of just 113.74. His recent absence from Leinster Lightning’s latest T20 match raised speculation about potential replacements, with Lorcan Tucker stepping in to open the batting, indicating he might partner with Paul Stirling at the top of the order.
"We will be focusing on the top order during this tour," said Andrew White, Ireland's national selector. "By resting Andrew Balbirnie for the T20Is, we aim to introduce a new dynamic. With only two matches scheduled, this is a vital chance for us to enhance our performance levels."
Balbirnie remains part of the squad for the subsequent three-match ODI series and will continue his role as an opener alongside Stirling in that format. "Andrew is still a crucial player for us and will open the batting in the ODIs," White confirmed.
Josh Little will not be included in either squad due to his participation in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League, where he represents the Trinbago Knight Riders. Along with Balbirnie, he is one of two players to leave the T20 World Cup squad from June, with left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys being added.
Ireland's previous T20 World Cup campaign was disappointing, as they exited at the group stage, losing all three completed matches against India, Canada, and Pakistan, while their fixture against co-hosts the United States was washed out.
In other developments, uncapped legspinner Gavin Hoey could make his ODI debut. Allrounder Gareth Delany has been included only in the T20I squad. Stephen Doheny and Andy McBrine will join the ODI squad, while Ross Adair and Delany will depart after the T20I series.
"With the next T20 and 50-over World Cups looming in 2026 and 2027, respectively, this series against South Africa marks the beginning of a new cycle for our white-ball teams," White remarked. "We need to expand our pool of international players, and the involvement of players like Gavin Hoey will contribute to their confidence on the international stage. With a packed schedule leading up to 2027, numerous opportunities will exist for emerging players to shine."
The matches against South Africa will take place in Abu Dhabi due to "infrastructure constraints," which Ireland hopes to address with the development of a new national stadium. South Africa has announced their squads for the series, opting to rest several key players.
Ireland T20I Squad vs South Africa:
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Matthew Humphreys, Graham Hume, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
Ireland ODI Squad vs South Africa:
Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Gavin Hoey, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
Fixtures:
September 27 and 29 - T20Is; October 2, 4, and 7 - ODIs (all in Abu Dhabi).