Ireland Restore ross Adair To 15-Man T20 World Cup Squad For India-Sri Lanka Showpiece
In a breaking selection, Ireland unveiled a 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to unfold in India and Sri Lanka, with Ross Adair back among the batters after a brief spell away from the panel.
The former Ulster rugby player had originally been named in the national side for a Bangladesh tour in November but withdrew due to a knee bone stress. His return brings the squad in line with the group that officials had intended to travel with for the three-match series, which Ireland narrowly lost 2-1.
Adair has already marked his T20 credentials with a century against South Africa in September 2024 and carries a 28.84 career T20 average. In recent assignments, he contributed 26 and 33 as an opener alongside captain Paul Stirling, underscoring his role at the top of the order.
In the period when Adair was unavailable, Tim Tector stepped in and produced consistent scores, averaging 29 across three fixtures with a high of 38 as Ireland pressed for form ahead of the global event.
Ireland’s World Cup group features Sri Lanka, Australia, oman and Zimbabwe. They open thier campaign against the hosts on February 8 in colombo, with all pool matches staged in Sri Lanka as the team aims to improve on their winless run from the United States edition two years prior, which included a surprising 12-run loss to Canada.
Before the tournament proper begins, Ireland will face Italy three times and the UAE twice in warm-up matches from January 23-31, a schedule designed to sharpen batting partnerships and bowling rotations ahead of the main event.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Squad Size | 15 players named for the T20 World Cup |
| Returning Player | Ross Adair, recalled to the squad |
| Adair’s Notable Stats | T20 century vs South Africa (Sept 2024); averages 28.84 |
| Recent Form | Adair opened with Stirling (26 and 33); Tim Tector averaged 29 in three matches in his absence (high 38) |
| Group Opponents | Sri Lanka, Australia, oman, Zimbabwe |
| Opening Match | February 8, vs Sri Lanka in Colombo |
| Venue Details | All pool games to be played in Sri Lanka |
| Warm-Up Fixtures | Italy (3 matches) and UAE (2 matches) from January 23-31 |
| Recent History | Past World Cup in the USA ended without a win; notable 12-run defeat by canada |
With continuity at the core of the selection, ireland looks to translate domestic confidence into a competitive global run. The combination of Adair’s pedigree, Stirling’s leadership, and a balanced bowling unit will be tested against a demanding group slate beginning in Colombo.
Reader questions: How far can Ireland push in Colombo this February with Adair back in the fold? Which combination will best harness Ireland’s top order and bowling depth under tournament pressure?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion across our platforms as Ireland bids for a strong World cup showing.
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