NEWS
Follow UsIreland lost their first three matches in the World Cup Qualifiers and as a result, missed out on a chance to make it through to the 50-over World Cup, set to be played in India next month. However, the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against England gives them an opportunity to get the wheels in motion for the next edition of the tournament four years down the line.
Head coach Heinrich Malan believes that they are keen to make the best of every opportunity that comes their way so that they do not lag behind. "For us, it's having an eye on building towards 2027," Malan said.
"Yes, it's still a long period away but we've got to make sure that, every time we play, we are clear on what those objectives are and try and execute that to the best of our ability.
"A fair few of our lads are really excited about these opportunities, to come over here and play more 50-over cricket, and hopefully kickstart another cycle for us in the one-day format. We've got some exciting players that have shown that, over time, they can perform and here's another opportunity for them to do that."
Ireland have been successful against England in the recent past. They beat the Jos Buttler-led side in the T20 World Cup last year, and also won the most recent ODI against them in Southampton - three years ago - chasing down 329 thanks to brilliant centuries from Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie.
The duo will once again be expected to play a key role against England in what is set to be a rejigged batting order. Balbirnie and Stirling will open, with Curtis Campher set to slot in at three. "Curtis has played that rescue role for us a few times when we've been in trouble early doors," Malan said.
"He's got some real quality and real capabilities in terms of facing the new ball. He's a very good player of hard pace, especially if it's short. And it's a natural progression in terms of the next step in his career.
"If you look around the world game, a lot of younger players started in the middle order and then made their way up the order. We're really looking forward to seeing how he goes, not necessarily just these three games, but over a little period. He knows he's got our backing in that space."
England will field a second-string side for the three-match series with Zak Crawley set to lead the side. Barring Joe Root, who was a late addition, none of the World Cup party will play the series. Root scored 0, 4 and 20 in the three ODIs against New Zealand and will hope to get some much-needed time in the middle before the World Cup.
Malan believes there is nothing called "B-side" and is looking forward to his players having a go at a quality opposition.
"What are we crying out for is just more consistent cricket," he said. "Everyone's playing at the World Cup, and we won't be part of that this time around, so that makes us more hungry when we get these opportunities to play quality opposition at quality grounds.
"I don't think you can look at any team as being a B-side, to be honest," he added. "These are top players that have done really well in the Hundred that's just been completed, and there's the nice addition this morning of Joe Root also coming to play the first game, so we're really excited about that.
"There's a couple of guys that played in the Test match and a fair few of the lads that we played a year ago in the T20 World Cup. Josh [Little] played in the Hundred, Stirling played in the Hundred, so there's some nice information being shared around, and it makes for a more intriguing contest and one that I'm very confident our boys are very much looking forward to."
The ODI series will kickstart on Wednesday (September 20) at Headingley. The action will shift to Trent Bridge for the second game on Saturday (September 23) and will conclude in Bristol on Tuesday (September 26).
