Zimbabwe v Ireland: Topping handed first Irish call-up for seven-match tour
Northern Knights batsman Morgan Toppin has been named in the Ireland Test and ODI squads for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe for the first time.
The 25-year-old Waringstown man is a prolific run-scorer at club level and has established himself at the top of the Knights’ top order in recent seasons.
Pembroke’s Gavin Hoey has retained his place in the ODI squad after making his international debut in October and is expected to make his Test debut.
Ireland have also been given a boost by the return of white-ball pacer Josh Little.
Gareth Delany and Barry McCarthy are back from injury, while Craig Young misses the T20 squad.
Ireland will face Zimbabwe in Bulawayo from February 6 to 10, followed by three ODIs and three T20 clashes in Harare.
“Morgan Toppin has demonstrated the key qualities required to perform at international level in recent games with Wolves and the Academy and we wish him all the best,” said national men’s selector Andrew White.
“It will be exciting to see our two young spinners and the likes of Ross Adair playing with more experienced players again and of course Josh Little is back too, he It had a huge impact on us last time in Zimbabwe”.
Test group: Andrew Barbierni (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campfer, Gavin Hoy, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrien, Barry McCarthy, PJ Moore, Paul Sterling, Harry Turkett, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
Team Ode: Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balboni, Curtis Campfer, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoy, Graham Hume, Matthew ·Humphries, Josh Little, Andrew McBrien, Barry McCarthy, Harry Turkett, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
T20 Squad: Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campfer, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphries, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Locke, Harry Turkett, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White.
Tour Schedule – Zimbabwe v Ireland
February 6-10: Test match (Bulawayo)
February 14: 1st ODI (Harare)
February 16: 2nd ODI (Harare)
February 18: 3rd ODI (Harare)
February 22: 1st T20I (Harare)
February 23: 2nd T20I (Harare)
February 25: 3rd T20I (Harare)
