Zimbabwe set to host Ireland for an all-format series in February

Zimbabwe are set to host Ireland for a seven-match all-format tour in February, the board announced on Friday. The tour will begin with a one-off Test match from 6 to 10 February in Bulawayo before the white-ball phase in Harare. The teams will play three ODI matches on February 14, 16 and 18 and the same number of T20 matches on February 22, 23 and 25. Originally, the series was scheduled to consist of two Tests with six white-ball games in the ICC Men’s Future Tour Programme. ftp).

Zimbabwe are currently in the final stages of their multi-format home series against Afghanistan, where they lost both the T20I and ODI series 2-1 and 2-0 respectively and secured a draw. High scoring, first test affected by rainThe journey ended with Second test going onOn 6th January.

Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni stressed the importance of hosting back-to-back full tours.

“We are delighted to welcome Ireland to what promises to be an exciting and competitive tour,” he said. “Hosting two full tours in a row is testament to our commitment to providing regular international cricket to our players and our efforts to grow the game in Zimbabwe.”

Zimbabwe and Ireland play the only Test against each other in July 2024 in Belfast. Host Ireland won the match by four wicketsZimbabwe last hosted Ireland end of 2023 For six white ball fixtures. They lost the T20I 2–1 and the ODI 2–0.

By topping, Ireland got a place in the Test team for the first time.

Morgan Topping He has been included in the Test and ODI team for the first time for this tour of Ireland. The right-handed batsman represents the Northern Knights and plays in the top order in domestic cricket.*

leg spinner gavin hoeHaving made his international debut against South Africa last October, he has retained his place in the ODI team and is also in line for his Test debut. Topping and Hoey are the only non-capped players in the Test squad.

fast bowler barry mccarthywhose last international appearance was the Test against Zimbabwe last July, and gareth delaney – who last played a T20 match in June last year – has returned from injuries. While McCarthy has been included in all the squads, Delaney has been included in the T20 squad.

National men’s selector Andrew White said: “After the break following the series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi, it will be great to see us back in action in a few weeks. Since 2007, there have been some amazing competitions against Zimbabwe and this It should be no different – and it’s exciting to have all three formats on this tour.

“Morgan Topping has received her first international call up to the senior level after recovering from the injury that prevented her from making her debut against South Africa last year. She has recently made international appearances for Wolves and Academy fixtures. Has demonstrated the important characteristics required and we wish him well.

“It’s going to be exciting to see our two young spinners and experienced players like Ross Adair back in action and we certainly have the return of Josh Little, who made a big impact in Zimbabwe last time out.

“We also have Gareth Delaney and Barry McCarthy returning from injury, while Craig Young will miss the T20 format on this occasion.

“The cycle ahead promises to be very busy – from 2026 to 2028 we will see three white-ball World Cups, however, we have 2025 free from ICC events to build up to this important period.”

ireland test team: Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Peter Moore, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

ireland one day team: Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Addai, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Andrew McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Morgan Topping, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.

Ireland T20I team: Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Addai, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White.

,This article was updated when Ireland announced their teams

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