Cricket Ireland has officially announced that Matthew Foster has been selected as a replacement in the Ireland Men’s Test squad after Conor Olphert was forced to withdraw prior to the team’s departure for the Test match against England Men scheduled from June 1 to June 4.
At 23 years old, Foster is a talented right-arm seamer who represents CSNI in Belfast at the club level and plays Inter-Provincial cricket for the Northern Knights. Although he was initially called up for the recent tour of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Foster had to withdraw due to an incomplete rehabilitation from an early injury. He showcased his skills by taking 3-26 for the Northern Knights against Leinster Lightning in his first List A match of the new season. Foster will join the squad before their departure to England on the evening of May 25.
Meanwhile, Olphert, who had been making progress with an ongoing knee issue during the winter and pre-season periods, unfortunately experienced a recurrence of symptoms over the past few weeks. Despite the best efforts of Olphert and the medical staff, he was unable to regain control of the situation in time to be fit for the Test match. As a result, Olphert will undergo further investigations and undergo a period of rehabilitation.
Upcoming Fixtures:
– May 26-28: Essex Men vs. Ireland Men – 1st Class Match (Chelmsford)
– June 1-4: England Men vs. Ireland Men – Test Match (Lord’s)
Ireland Squad:
– Andrew Balbirnie (Captain)
– Mark Adair
– Curtis Campher
– George Dockrell
– Matthew Foster
– Fionn Hand
– Graham Hume
– Tom Mayes
– Andrew McBrine
– James McCollum
– PJ Moor
– Paul Stirling
– Harry Tector
– Lorcan Tucker
– Craig Young