Photo Credit: Sri Lanka Cricket
Cricket Ireland has today confirmed Matthew Foster has been called up to the Ireland Men’s Test squad after Conor Olphert was forced to withdraw ahead of the squad’s departure for the Test Match against England Men from 1-4 June 2023.
Foster, 23, is a right-arm seamer who plays club cricket for CSNI in Belfast and Inter-Provincial cricket for the Northern Knights. Initially called up ahead of the recent tour of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Foster had to withdraw as his rehabilitation from an early injury hadn’t been completed in time. He took 3-26 for the Northern Knights against Leinster Lightning last week in his first List A match of the new season. Foster will join up with the squad tomorrow ahead of departure to England tomorrow evening.
Olphert, who was progressing well throughout the winter and pre-season periods with an ongoing knee issue, has unfortunately experienced a recurrence of his symptoms over the last few weeks and has been unable to get it under control in time to be fit to play a Test Match despite his and the medical staff’s best efforts. He will now undergo fresh investigations as well as a period of rehabilitation.
THE TOUR
The fixture schedule is:
• 26-28 May: Essex Men v Ireland Men – 1st Class Match (Chelmsford; tickets now on sale)
• 1-4 June: England Men v Ireland Men – Test Match (Lord’s; tickets now on sale)
The squad is:
Andrew Balbirnie (Capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Matthew Foster, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.
Cricket Ireland, officially known as The Irish Cricket Union Company Limited by Guarantee, is the governing body for cricket on the island of Ireland. It oversees the national men’s and women’s teams and organizes the Inter-Provincial Series, Super 3s, and All-Ireland club competitions. Ireland achieved Test status for women in 2000 and for men in 2017 when it became a Full Member of the ICC.
