Ireland names weak squad against Windies ‘A’

Ireland’s selectors have named a weakened squad to face West Indies ‘A’ in two one-day matches next week but coach Phil Simmons believes it will provide the chance to look at new players ahead of next year’s Cricket World Cup.



The 13-man squad will be led by Trent Johnston but will miss regular captain William Porterfield, batsman Niall O’Brien and fast bowler Boyd Rankin who are all tied up with commitments to their English counties.



Off-spinning all-rounder Albert van der Merwe is one of two new players called up for the first time along with fast bowler Craig Young.



Ireland are scheduled to meet the touring West Indies ‘A’ in the first of the two matches on June 23 before facing the Caribbean side again two days later.



Windies ‘A’ are currently on tour of England and are carded to face India ‘A’ in the second four-day “Test” starting tomorrow. They lost the opening “Test” against India ‘A’ last week.