Ireland, the reigning champions, will have to defend their European Championship cricket title in Amsterdam without the services of the Carrickfergus all-rounder, Derek Heasley, who pulled out of the squad yesterday because of work commitments.

Heasley, whose 29-run innings helped skipper Angus Dunlop to put on 57 for the fifth wicket against South Africa at Castle Avenue last Sunday, will be replaced by left-arm spinner Greg Molins of Carlisle.

Ireland's first match is against England on Saturday, and they will be encouraged by the recent victory over the same opposition in the Triple Crown tournament in Scotland. Ireland's other round-robin matches will be against Holland next Sunday, followed by next week's matches against Denmark on Tuesday and Scotland on Thursday.