IRE vs IND: 1st T20I Preview – All eyes on Jasprit Bumrah
Ireland are all set to host team India in a three-match T20I series, slated to commence on Friday, August 18. The series will culminate with the third and final T20I to be played at the Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin on August 23.
Speaking about the two sides, the BCCI selection committee decided to play a second-string side as the regular team is gearing up for the crucial Asia Cup 2023. It is worth mentioning that the Men in Blue will be led by speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who marks his return to the side after a long hiatus.
Tilak Varma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Arshdeep Singh, Sanju Samson, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan are the only players from the series against the Windies who are part of the setup against Ireland. Ruturaj Gaikwad has been named Bumrah’s deputy for the series keeping in mind that he will lead the side in the Asian Games in China.
On the other hand, Fionn Hand and Gareth Delany have been recalled to the Irish side after having missed the T20 World Cup Europe Region Qualifier in July 2023. Paul Stirling will lead Ireland for the forthcoming series. Both teams will look to get off on a winning start to keep momentum at their end.
Pitch Conditions:
The surface at the Malahide Cricket Club in Dublin has something in it for the batter and they will look to make the most from the conditions. Spinners will have a say during the middle overs. However, the seamers will need to be razor sharp with their line and length to get the breakthroughs. A high-scoring contest is likely to be on the cards.
Venue details: Malahide Cricket Club, Dublin
Last T20I match at the venue: India vs Ireland, 2022, 2nd T20I | Result: India won by four runs
Probable playing XI for Ireland vs India clash:
Ireland
The Irish side will be boosted by the return of Fionn Hand and could likely play him in the first T20I. Joshua Little will continue leading the bowling attack and Ireland will aim to win their first match against team India.
Probable XI: Andrew Balbirnie, Paul Stirling (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Fionn Hand, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Joshua Little, Benjamin White
India
With the comeback of Bumrah and the fresh faces of Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma in the squad, the Men in Blue will be confident to obtain a result in their favour. The game will surely see some of the IPL stars getting their India cap.
Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah (c)
