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Follow UsEmirates Cricket Board has advised Cricket Ireland of a further four players who have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, it has been agreed that tomorrow’s ODI will be postponed.
The Emirates Cricket Board statement released said:
“Emirates Cricket Board has confirmed that tomorrow’s match in the Sky247.net ODI Series 2021 against Ireland has been suspended. This decision, supported by Cricket Ireland, was made after a new directive was received from authorities."
"This followed over 48 hours of self-isolation by the UAE team after four reported positive cases of Covid-19. Additionally, the directive from the authorities requires the UAE team to remain in quarantine for an extended period of time."
"Discussions are continuing with all concerned parties, including the relevant authorities, regarding rescheduling of the remaining matches. A decision will be made and communicated once an agreement has been reached and approved..”
While disappointing for players and fans alike, Cricket Ireland thanks the Emirates Cricket Board and Abu Dhabi Cricket for their transparency and cooperation at this time, and will continue to monitor the situation over coming days. As always, the health and safety of players and support staff will remain Cricket Ireland’s priority.
Shane Getkate and Conor Olphert fly out to Abu Dhabi to join Ireland squad
Irish international Shane Getkate and North West Warriors Conor Olphert have flown out to join the Ireland Men’s squad ahead of the second ODI tomorrow.
Allrounder Getkate, 29, has 18 caps for Ireland after debuting internationally in February 2019. His last international appearance was against Afghanistan in a T20I in March last year. He replaces the injured David Delany in the squad, providing cover for both the squad’s batting and bowling stocks.
Pace bowler Olphert, 24, is an explosive opening bowler for his club side Bready and made his inter-provincial debut for North West Warriors in September against Leinster Lightning, taking two wickets. He is uncapped at international level and has been brought in as a net bowler for the Irish side, given the need due to COVID-19 protocols. Olphert is the son of Mark Olphert, who made an appearance for Ireland in 1998 against a touring Australia ‘A’ side.
Andrew White, Chair of National Men’s Selectors, said:
“While it was a disappointment to lose David Delany early in the tour, it now provides a chance for Shane to come in and try to make his mark. While most of his international appearances so far are in the T20 format, Shane played three ODIs against Zimbabwe in 2019 and claimed six wickets at 20 runs apiece. His versatility with both bat and ball will be of benefit to the squad and he has experience playing in Middle Eastern conditions.”
“Conor is a very promising young pace bowler from the North West. We are sending him out as a net bowler and to give him his first taste of international touring – albeit his experience in the bio-bubble will not be a typical experience. Given the need for squads to provide their own net bowlers, and given the loss of Delany, we considered it a prudent option of increasing our bowling unit out in Abu Dhabi.”
“We wish Shane and Conor well and look forward to the team’s fight back in game two.”
Getkate said:
“I was delighted to get the call and for the chance to join the squad out in Abu Dhabi. I’m really looking forward to getting out there – it certainly makes a nice change from indoor training. Hopefully the guys can get some wins against UAE in the series and then bring that momentum into the Afghan series.”
Olphert said:
“To be honest, I'm completely shocked. I really appreciate the opportunity to go out to the UAE. It’s not something I'd ever thought I'd get a chance to do, so I'm determined to make the most of the opportunity. I can't wait to get out there and meet up with the squad.”
Getkate and Olphert have arrived in Abu Dhabi and will now quarantine for three days. They have both tested negative prior to, and on arrival.
