91�ȱ�

Ireland opening bowler Tim Murtagh has been ruled out of the forthcoming Tri-Series against Scotland and Afghanistan in Dubai because of a foot injury.

The 33-year-old sustained the problem during Ireland's training session at the ICC Academy on Wednesday.

The Middlesex player will return to London where he will undergo a further medical assessment on the injury.

Ireland have opted not to call up a replacement for the four matches, which form part of their World Cup build-up.

Ireland will begin their Tri-Series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday.

On Monday it was announced that Ireland coach Phil Simmons would keep faith with the 15-man squad touring the United Arab Emirates for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Irish squad will return home after their four one-day internationals, then depart for Australia at the end of January for a training camp and a fixture against Sydney-based club Randwick Petersham.

The Irish stay in Sydney for official warm-up matches against Scotland and Bangladesh before flying to New Zealand for their World Cup opener in Hamilton.

Ireland will start their pool matches against West Indies on 16 February.

Despite no official replacement being named for Murtagh, Simmons did reveal earlier this week that they had taken five bowlers with the squad to Dubai to help with their preparations.

"Max Sorensen, Graeme McCarter, Eddie Richardson, Tyrone Kane and Barry McCarthy will all bowl in the nets and will provide a great resource in our build-up," he said.