Stirling back in Ireland's ODI squad for Afghanistan series

Jai Moondra, Ben Calitz and Byron McDonough receive maiden call-ups to the 50-over side.

Ireland's Paul Stirling plays a shot during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Bangladesh and Ireland at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet on March 18, 2023.

Ireland have unveiled the squad for the first three matches of the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, commencing on Wednesday, August 5.

Paul Stirling will return to captain the squad after sustaining an injury at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

Ireland squad for first three ODIs: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Byron McDonough, Jai Moondra, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker

While Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill and David Delany are unavailable for selection due to injury, Jai Moondra, Ben Calitz and Byron McDonough have received debut ODI call-ups. 

Moondra and Calitz were part of Ireland's historic T20I series win against the reigning Men's T20I champions, India.

Head Coach Gary Wilson, who will be in charge for his maiden series, said: “I am very much looking forward to the series against Afghanistan. These are our first ODIs in 15 months, and in the intervening period, many players have put their hand up for selection, which is a great place to be. 

“There is a great rivalry that has built up over the years

between the two teams, and I expect that to continue during this series.

"We have selected a squad that is reflective of the way in which we want to play."

The five-match ODI series will be held at Bready and Stormont.

Series schedule:

1st ODI: August 5, Bready

2nd ODI: August 7, Bready

3rd ODI: August 10, Stormont

4th ODI: August 12, Stormont

5th ODI: August 15, Stormont