Paul Stirling completes U-turn as Ireland reveal squad for England tour

Andrew Balbirnie's side return to Lord's, four years on from their last outing, after playing Essex in a three-day first-class match in late May

Ireland have unveiled a 15-strong squad for their upcoming tour of England.

Left-arm pace bowler Josh Little, who has been playing in the Indian Premier League for the Gujarat Titans, has not been included amid attempts to manage his fitness. 

But opening batter Paul Stirling has been included despite signalling his desire to miss their red-ball fixtures in 2023.

He returned for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, hitting a maiden century, and keeps his place for the two-game tour.

Stirling went to his maiden Test century on his return in Sri Lanka (ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

Elsewhere, Craig Young and Conor Olphert come in as new additions to the squad having not toured Sri Lanka last month.

Andrew Balbirnie will take the reigns as captain for the one-off four-day Lord's Test against England (June 1-4) which is preceded by a three-day first-class fixture against Essex at Chelmsford (May 26-28).

Stirling, James McCollum and McBrine are among the surviving members of the group that were beaten by 143 runs at the self-styled home of cricket four years ago.

On announcing the squad, Ireland men's national selector Andrew White said: "There is a familiar shape to the squad but given the progress and performances in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka – particularly with the bat - the players acquitted themselves well and can take some level of confidence into Lord's.

Josh Little, who has been playing in the IPL for Gujarat Titans, is rested (ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images)

"It is great news that we can welcome the likes of Craig Young and Conor Olphert back into the set-up, and the next few weeks will be important for both these lads as they increase their workload ahead of this red-ball series.

"We have only gone with one frontline spinner with conditions very different than where we have most recently toured, but Andy McBrine clearly demonstrated his all-round talent and also has the experience of playing at Lord’s in 2019.

"Regarding Josh Little, although the IPL will have finished, we are very conscious of the need for Josh to rest, recover and prepare for what will be a busy and important summer for us in white ball cricket."

Ireland squad: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Conor Olphert, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young

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