IT IS a measure of just how far, and how fast, 17-year-old George Dockrell has come in his short international career that Ireland coach Phil Simmons took time out yesterday to lament the left-arm spinner’s absence from his 13-man squad for the RSA Challenge One-Day International against Australia in Clontarf.
The Gonzaga student will be sitting his Leaving Certificate instead of taking on the world champions at Castle Avenue on Thursday June 17th in the highlight of the Irish cricketing summer.
Simmons has stuck to the squad that took part in the recent World Twenty20 in the Caribbean, with Dockrell and Civil Service North all-rounder Nigel Jones the two to miss out.
Simmons admitted the unavailability of Leinster player Dockrell, who only earned the first of his 17 caps at the end of January, is a big blow to the side.
“It’s a pity that George can’t make the game, but he has exams which are obviously important to his future,” said Simmons.
“He’d been bowling really well and settled in superbly to international cricket. That has helped us offset the retirement of Kyle McCallan, and the injuries to Regan West,” he added.
Simmons has included Northamptonshire wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien after he received an injection that will allow him to continue playing ahead of an operation to insert a pin into his injured left index finger.
Paul Stirling, who made his competitive debut for Middlesex in their Twenty20 defeat to Sussex at Lord’s on Thursday night, is also included in the 13.
Stirling made only two in that game and, after failing to score in both of knocks during the World Twenty20, the highly talented 19-year-old will be keen to make a mark against Ricky Ponting’s side.
Despite the batsmen failing against the West Indies and not getting a chance to chase down England in Guyana, Simmons still took positives out of the tournament, not least Ireland’s performances in the field.
“I’ll be looking for the players to play with the same intensity that they showed in the West Indies. We did really well in the field against both West Indies and the eventual winners England,” he said.
“It’s a chance for the players to showcase their talents against the best in the business. We’re playing on home soil, in familiar conditions and with the backing of our home fans.
“We may have lost the surprise factor against the Full Member teams in the past few years, but we have certainly gained their respect. No one treats us lightly any more, as they know if their game drops we are ready to pounce.”
IRELAND(squad for RSA Challenge v Australia, June 17th, Castle Avenue, Clontarf): William Porterfield (Gloucestershire, capt), Andre Botha (North County), Peter Connell (North Down), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), Trent Johnston (Railway Union), Gary Kidd (Waringstown), John Mooney (North County), Kevin O'Brien (Railway Union), Niall O'Brien (Northants), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey).
