Ireland handed a maiden call-up to Ross Adair for their upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe. He has replaced Lorcan Tucker, who will play in the ILT20.

Former rugby player Ross Adair Earns Maiden Ireland call-up for Zimbabwe T20Is. Courtesy: Ireland Cricket

By India Today Web Desk: Former rugby player Ross Adair earned his maiden national call-up after Ireland picked him up as a replacement for Lorcan Tucker for the upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe in the month of January.

Earlier, Tucker pulled out of the T20I series and got a No Objection Certificate (NoC) to take part in the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi International League T20. Tucker, however, will return for the ODI series.

Ross, who happens to be the brother of Mark Adair, has played seven List A and 15 T20s thus far, scoring 438 runs with one century and picking up four wickets.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the call up, but I’m not sure it’s really sunk in yet if I’m honest. It’s a huge honour for me and now I just can’t wait to get away on tour,” Ross was quoted as saying.

“I have always wanted to push myself and get to as high a level as possible. I had a fairly open and honest conversation with Gary Wilson a couple of years ago – Gary is someone I trust very much and wouldn’t mince his words too often, so when he said that there was a chance – a small chance, but a chance nonetheless – that’s what I wanted. I love my cricket and to have the opportunity to potentially represent Ireland at the highest level with Mark, would mean the world to me,” he stated.

Ross made his debut for the Northern Knights back in 2021 and has also played rugby for Ulster in the Pro12 competition in the 2014-15 season. He is a left-arm spin bowler and bats right-handed.

Ireland T20I squad

Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Tyrone Kane, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Ben White.

Ireland ODI squad

Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Graham Hume, Tyrone Kane, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker.