The Ireland cricket team faces a major setback just before the ODI series against the West Indies. Fast bowler Craig Young and all-rounder Curtis Campher have both been ruled out of the entire series. This news has been a big blow to the team in the preparation of a big series that is to start in Dublin from May 21. The absences of these two crucial players have definitely weakened the bowling setup of Ireland, along with affecting the strategy of the side.
Ireland vs West Indies 1st ODI Before – A Fresh Look
1. In fact, the Ireland cricket team faced so many setbacks in the run-up to the One-Day International (ODI) series against the West Indies that two of the country’s fastest bowlers were injured, with Craig Young and all-rounder Curtis Campher being named out of contention due to their injuries.
2. Young took a hamstring injury while featuring for North West Warriors in the Inter-Provinces Cup, which came during his 9th over in a spell in which he took 1 wicket for 49 runs in just 8.5 overs.
3. Campher’s injury is even more recent – he fractured a finger while batting while practising in the nets. Due to this, he is out of the entire ODI series.
4. Young has been replaced by 19-year-old Jordan Neil, who is making it to the senior team for the first time.
5. Campher has been replaced by wicketkeeper-batsman Stephen Doheny, who recently scored a brilliant century in a domestic 50-over match.
6. Ireland were already troubled by the absence of Mark Adair, who is out of the ODI series to recover from a knee injury and is expected to return in the T20 series.
7. Selector Andrew White said, “This is a testing time for our fast bowling attack as Adair, Young, Campher, Hume and Fion Hand are all out.”
8. Captain Paul Stirling also saw the situation in a positive way and said that “due to injuries, some new players will get a chance, which will give depth to the team in the future.”
9. Stephen Doheny already has experience of 11 ODIs and 3 T20Is. He has also performed well for the Ireland A team against Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A recently.
10. The three ODIs will be played in Dublin on May 21, 23 and 25, followed by the T20 series in Brady in June. Four uncapped players – Neil, Thomas Mayes, Liam McCarthy and Cade Carmichael – have also been included in the squad.
Conclusion
The opening ODI between West Indies and Ireland in Dublin has set the stage for an exciting series filled with fresh talent, unpredictable moments, and competitive cricket. Set against an Irish backdrop, the Irish will be eyeing exploitation of any weakness in an under-strength Windies setup, who will want to prove a point before the T20 World Cup. With two sides battling it out in Irish conditions, the fans could just be in for an intense and fresh chapter of cricket. Watch out for live updates and analysis as the series progresses.
FAQs
Q.1 When is the 1st ODI between West Indies and Ireland scheduled?
A. The 1st ODI is scheduled for May 21, 2025, in Dublin.
Q.2 Where is the match being played?
A. The match is being held at Clontarf Cricket Club Ground, Dublin, Ireland.
Q.3 What time does the match start?
A. The match is expected to begin at 10:45 AM local time (IST and GMT times may vary).
Q.4 Where can I watch the live coverage of the 1st ODI?
A. The match can be watched live on official broadcasters (depending on your region) or followed via live score updates online.
Q.5 Who replaced Craig Young and Curtis Campher in the Ireland squad?
A. Jordan Neill replaced Craig Young, and Stephen Doheny came in for Curtis Campher.
Q.6 Why is Craig Young not playing in the 1st ODI?
A. He suffered a hamstring injury during a domestic match and was ruled out of the series.
