Ireland include Dockrell for Intercontinental cup and ODIs in South Africa

George Dockrell, the Ireland left-arm spinner, has been included in the squad to face Hong Kong in the Intercontinental cup tie and the short trip to South Africa to play two One-Day Internationals. The left-arm spinner replaces Stuart Poynter in the Ireland squad for the four-day match against Hong Kong which will be played at Stormont from August 30.

Ireland currently occupy the second spot on the table behind Afghanistan while Hong Kong are fourth. "With the Intercontinental Cup game against Hong Kong it gave the selectors an opportunity to continue to focus on the formula that has brought success so far in the competition," Head of Selectors Alan Lewis said on Sunday (August 21).
 
"It's a format which we have excelled in over the years, winning it four times. We've named what we feel is a well-balanced squad which will give William (Porterfield) plenty of options as we seek out another victory. We've opted for an extra spinner in George who has produced some of his best cricket over the past six years in this competition. Also we felt that the pitches in late August/early September are likely to offer assistance to the slow bowlers as the game progresses."
 
Ireland are also scheduled to play one ODI each against South Africa and Australia at Benoni on September 25 and 27. The selectors have opted to retain the same squad that lost 1-0 to Pakistan with Dockrell being the only addition to it.
 
"While this week's performance was disappointing, we feel this group of players deserve another opportunity," Lewis said. "These games will certain provide us with a stern challenge but I'm certain the squad will respond positively."