John Anderson: Ireland call all-rounder into squad for UAE game

Image source, Inpho

Image caption, Merrion all-rounder John Anderson replaces Alex Cusack in the Ireland squad

John Anderson has been named in a 14-man Ireland squad for next month's ICC Intercontinental Cup match against the United Arab Emirates at Malahide.

The Merrion all-rounder replaces Alex Cusack, who was selected in the squad for the one-day international against England earlier this month.

Tim Murtagh is chosen despite his recent hamstring injury, with the Middlesex man expected to be fit.

Max Sorensen is on stand-by should Murtagh be declared unavailable.

"We are all delighted to see John back in the squad," said chairman of selectors Alan Lewis.

"John struggled with injury last year and perhaps also the hurt of not being selected, however his class was always there and his record proves it - he has come back even stronger this season which augurs well for us."

"We've decided to not include Alex in the squad with an eye to the Twenty20 series against Scotland and also the World T20 qQualifying tournament. Alex is such a vital player for us in the format, and we've got to manage his workload accordingly.

"We understand that Tim is progressing well and to be honest we really hope he makes it in time," added Lewis.

"He has had a torrid time with injury over the last few months and is itching to get back. Everyone surrounding the team would wish him well in that department."

The four-day game at Malahide, the first game in charge for new head coach John Bracewell, will take place from 2-5 June.

The InterContinental Cup competition has added significance this time as the winners will play the bottom ranked full-member in a four Test Challenge.

Ireland have won the competition a record four times and are the current defending champions.

Ireland squad: William Porterfield (Warwickshire, capt), John Anderson (Merrion), Andrew Balbirnie (Middlesex), George Dockrell (Somerset), Ed Joyce (Sussex), John Mooney (Balbriggan), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Andrew McBrine (Donemana), Kevin O'Brien (Railway Union), Niall O'Brien (Leicestershire), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Stuart Thompson (Eglinton), Gary Wilson (Surrey, wk), Craig Young (Bready).