Stirling returns for Wilson's first Ireland ODIs

Tue, July 28, 2026 at 4:09 PM UTC

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Captain Paul Stirling is one of a number of players to return for Ireland after missing June's historic T20 series win over India

Paul Stirling will captain Ireland on his return from injury in August's five-game one-day international series with Afghanistan.

The series will be the first matches under new head coach Gary Wilson, who replaced Heinrich Malan just 24 hours after June's historic 2-0 T20 series win over India.

Jai Moondra, who starred in those famous victories at Stormont in his first taste of international action, has been handed his first ODI call-up for Ireland, while Ben Calitz and Byron McDonough have also been included for the first time in the 50-ball format.

Matt Hollard, who also had a breakout T20 series against India, is one of a number of players who will miss Wilson's first games in charge.

Hollard joins Josh Little, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neil and David Delaney on the sidelines as Ireland are again beset by injuries that will test the depth of their bowling attack.

However there is a welcome return for Stirling, bowler Mark Adair and all-rounder Curtis Campher to the squad after their respective knocks forced them to miss out against India.

Stirling returns as skipper after a calf problem despite giving up the T20 captaincy following this year's World Cup.

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Afghanistan travel to Bready for two ODI matches on 5 and 7 August before the final three games of the series take place at Stormont on 10, 12 and 15 August.

The series provides Ireland's first ODIs since a drawn series against West Indies in May 2025 and will serve as preparation for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers, which will take place at the beginning of next year.

Wilson said Ireland have "a great rivalry" with Afghanistan and the squad he has selected is "reflective of the way we want to play".

"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," Wilson said.

"We are leaving players out who rightly believe they are good enough to be selected, however, we have full faith in the squad that we have picked.

"With the ball, we want to be consistently looking for wickets and in the field we want to hunt down chances and be known for a never say die attitude that is synonymous with great Irish sides, of which we believe this is one."

Ireland squad: Paul Stirling (capt), 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.

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