Ireland announce squads for all-format tour of Zimbabwe

Cricket Ireland has announced squads for the upcoming all-format tour of Zimbabwe. The tour begins with a one-off Test match, which is all set to be played at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from February 6-10, 2025.

After the Test match, both teams will be heading to Harare for three ODIs and as manu T20Is. While the ODIs are slated to be held on February 14, 16 and 18, the T20Is will happen on February 22, 23, and 25, respectively. All six limited-overs fixtures will be staged at the Harare Sports Club.

Here are the squads:

Ireland Test squad: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, and Craig Young.

ODI squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, and Craig Young.

T20I squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, and Ben White.

Expressing his thoughts about the squads, an excited Ireland National Men's Selector Andrew White heaped praise on the 25-year-old batter Morgan Topping. A prolific run scorer at the club level, Topping has received his maiden international call-up at senior level.

White said in an official release:

"Morgan Topping gains his first international call up at senior level having recovered from injury which prevented him making his debut against South Africa last year. He has demonstrated key attributes needed to perform at international level over recent Wolves and Academy fixtures and we wish him well."

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Ireland defeated Zimbabwe in the one-off Test last year

The last time Ireland played Zimbabwe in a Test match in July 2024, they emerged victorious. Despite reeling at 21/5 at one stage while chasing down the target of 158 runs, wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker and skipper Andrew Balbirnie's half-centuries ensured the hosts win the contest by four wickets at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast.

Andy McBrine, 31, who amassed 83 runs apart from picking up seven wickets in that game was adjudged Player of the Match for his all-round heroics. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe are currently playing the second and final Test match of the two-match home series against Afghanistan in Bulawayo.