Ireland have named their squad for the first three ODI matches of their five-game ODI series against Afghanistan, with Jai Moondra making his ODI debut and Paul Stirling returning to the team after missing the previous match due to injury.
The series is set to kick off on August 5, and Ireland is gearing up for their inaugural bilateral ODI series against the West Indies since hosting them in May 2025. Moondra has been selected for the team ahead of the key player in Ireland’s memorable T20I series win over India.
Moondra Earns Maiden ODI Call-Up
Moondra’s impressive performances in Ireland’s recent T20I campaign have been rewarded. He has already made his debut for Ireland in T20I cricket, but the Afghanistan series may give him his first taste of 50-over cricket.
He is one of only two capped T20I players in the squad who have yet to appear in an ODI.He has been one of two players in the squad who have not played in an ODI but have played in a T20I match, the other being Ben Calitz. Ireland selectors think Moondra can add some attacking quality to the batting order.
National selector Andrew White was pleased with Moondra’s selection and feels the youngster will make a difference in the series.
Stirling Returns as Captain
Paul Stirling, who was injured in the recent India T20I series, is to feature for Ireland after he made his return to the squad for the T20I series. His availability will give Ireland a huge advantage before their five-match ODI campaign.
Stirling’s experience will be particularly important as Ireland start to operate under new head coach Gary Wilson, replacing Heinrich Malan.
Ireland will be looking to make a good start against Afghanistan with Stirling at the top of the order and leading the side.
McDonough Receives First Call-Up
Ireland have also given Byron McDonough his first international call-up. The 24-year-old medium pacer has left an impression in domestic cricket and was in the Leinster Lightning team which recently won the Inter-Provincial Limited Overs Cup.
McDonough picked up eight wickets in five games in that tournament. He has picked up 15 wickets in nine List A games and is now attracting the attention of the national selectors.
White singled out McDonough and Moondra as two who could be a big part of the series.
Hoey Adds Spin Threat
Ireland have also kept Gavin Hoey, who can play both sides of the ball, providing them with another wicket-taking option in the middle of the order.
The selectors think that Hoey could prove to be a threat to the Afghan batting lineup, and his all-rounder qualities may come into play in the five-match series.
Another player that is likely to give Ireland more flexibility is Ben Calitz. He has the potential to provide the team with another bat at the middle and lower end of the order with his aggressive style.
Several Players Unavailable
Ireland will be without a number of players due to injury or return to play protocols.
Josh Little, Matt Hollard, Craig Young, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill and David Delany are some of those not included in the first team.
The final two ODIs will feature a different squad, which will be announced later, and Cricket Ireland will be looking at player fitness before making any changes.
Trott to Assist Ireland
The series will also feature Jonathan Trott on consultancy duty for the Ireland team in the first matches. Trott will be available for the first two games against Afghanistan, whom he once coached.
His experience in Afghanistan could prove to be useful for Ireland in the tough ODI series.
Bready and Stormont to Host Series
The first two matches of the series will be held at Bready and the final three ODIs will be at Stormont.
The series will be an opportunity for Ireland to create momentum in ODI cricket, with several younger players being given opportunities to play alongside experienced players like Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie and Harry Tector.
Ireland will be hoping their new-look side can mount a strong challenge against Afghanistan with Moondra chasing his first ODI cap, McDonough his first international call up and Stirling back in the captain’s chair.
