Ireland drop Andrew Balbirnie for South Africa T20Is: Details
What's the story
Ireland have dropped Andrew Balbirnie, their second-highest T20I run-scorer, from the upcoming series against South Africa.
This decision comes as part of Ireland's strategy to introduce a 'new dynamic' at the top order in their T20I squad.
Despite his impressive record, Balbirnie's recent form has been a concern with an average of just 24.83 in his last 12 innings and a strike rate of merely 113.74.
Replacement speculation
Tucker likely to replace Balbirnie as Stirling's opening partner
Lorcan Tucker is tipped to replace Balbirnie as Paul Stirling's opening partner for the T20Is against South Africa.
This speculation has gained momentum after Tucker opened the batting in a recent T20 match for Leinster Lightning, where Balbirnie was absent.
Andrew White, Ireland's national selector, confirmed that they are exploring changes in their top order during this tour.
ODI inclusion
Balbirnie retains position in ODI squad despite T20I exclusion
Despite his exclusion from the T20Is, Balbirnie has been selected for the three-match ODI series that follows.
He will continue to open the batting alongside Stirling in this format.
White affirmed that "Andrew remains very much central to our thoughts and will open the batting in the ODIs."
This decision indicates Ireland's continued faith in Balbirnie's abilities despite his recent form slump.
Squad changes
Little and Balbirnie dropped from T20 World Cup squad
Josh Little is another player who will not be part of either squad due to his commitments in the ongoing Caribbean Premier League.
Little and Balbirnie are the two players dropped from June's T20 World Cup squad.
In their place, left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys has been added to the team.
These changes come after Ireland's disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup where they were eliminated at the group stage.
Debut anticipation
Hoey set for ODI debut, Delany only in T20I squad
Uncapped leg-spinner Gavin Hoey is expected to make his ODI debut in the upcoming series.
All-rounder Gareth Delany has been included only in the T20I squad.
Stephen Doheny and Andy McBrine will join the team for ODIs, while Ross Adair will return home after the T20Is.
White emphasized that "2026 and 2027 are pivotal years for our white-ball squads - those years being the next T20 and 50-over World Cups respectively."
Information
Ireland T20I squad vs South Africa
Ireland T20I squad vs South Africa: Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Matthew Humphreys, Graham Hume, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young.
Information
Ireland ODI squad vs South Africa
Ireland ODI squad vs South Africa: Paul Stirling (captain), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Gavin Hoey, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young.