Ireland shuffle batting lineup ahead of England ODI series

While the 15-strong squad contains few surprises, Andy Balbirnie is set to return to the top of the order alongside captain Paul Stirling while Curtis Campher has been promoted to No.3

Ireland will trial a new-look batting order during their three-match ODI series against England later in September.

Andrew Balbirnie is set to return to the top of the order, where he will partner captain Paul Stirling, with Curtis Campher promoted from the middle order to No.3.

The 15-strong squad contains many familiar faces, with uncapped spinner Theo van Woerkom the only surprise inclusion.

^{Curtis Campher is being promoted to No.3 [Stu Forster/Getty Images]}

^{England and Ireland last met in a bilateral ODI series in summer 2020 [Adrian Dennis/Getty Images]}

Men's selector Andrew White said: "While the squad has an overall familiar shape, there are several important changes we are going to look at. The key changes are at the top of the order where Andrew Balbirnie will open with Paul Stirling. The pair have a great understanding and we believe they can develop into a longer term opening option in the 50-over game.

"Along with this, Curtis Campher will make the move to No.3, where we believe he has the technique and aptitude to succeed in the role – he plays pace as well as anyone in the squad, and whilst he has been a mainstay of our middle order for a few years now, we believe he has the capability to batter higher up the order and have a really positive impact.

"We see this series as important in the development and evolution of our one-day squad and the players are certainly looking forward to locking horns with England for the first time in ODIs since 2020."

The series will begin at Headingley on September 20 before moving to Trent Bridge (September 23) and Bristol (September 26).

England and Ireland last met in a bilateral ODI series in summer 2020, with England winning 2-1.

Ireland squad: Paul Stirling (c), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Theo van Woerkom, Craig Young