ENG vs IRE: Ireland playing XI vs England, 1st ODI, 2023 - Predicted

The first ODI between England and Ireland will take place on Wednesday at Headingley, Leeds.

England won the four-match ODI series against New Zealand 3-1 recently. Now, they will host Ireland for a three-match ODI series. Ireland will be back playing international cricket after a gap of almost a month. They faced India in a three-match T20I series in August last time.

Ireland, who couldn't qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, will be facing the world champions - England on their home soil. The first ODI will be played on Wednesday at Leeds. England have picked a second-string team with only one or two senior players available. This will be a great chance for Ireland to upset the World Champions. In this article, we will talk about Ireland's predicted playing XI for the first ODI.

ENG vs IRE: Ireland's Predicted playing XI vs England

1. Paul Stirling (c):

The Irish captain and most experienced batter, Paul Stirling, will be the key for his team in the coming series. He has played a number of games against England and has done well. Stirling has scored 5598 runs in 153 ODIs at an average of 38.34, with 14 centuries. He will look to give his team a good start early on.

2. Andrew Balbirine:

Just like Paul Stirling, former captain Andrew Balbirine is another vital batter in the Irish batting line-up. He has been one of the most consistent batters for his country. Balbirine has played 100 ODIs and scored 2907 runs at an average of 31.95 with 8 centuries. He likes to play an anchor role, and other batters can revolve around him.

3. Harry Tector:

Harry Tector has been the best batter for Ireland in the ODI format in recent times. With an average of 50.43 and 1513 runs in just 35 innings, he has scored four centuries and 11 half-centuries already. The youngster will be a big wicket for his team, which can take the game away from the opposition if he gets set.

4. Andy McBrine:

Veteran all-rounder Andy McBrine is an equally effective player for his country in both departments. He is a bowling all-rounder who can hit the ball long. He has also played three ODIs against England, scored 64 runs, and taken one wicket. Overall, he has some good numbers with the ball, and on the pitch helping pacers, he can be an effective bowler.

5. Curtis Campher:

Curtis Campher is a superstar all-rounder on the team, who has achieved a good amount of success in his little career so far. Campher is a key player in both departments for his team. He has played three ODIs against England, scored 127 runs, and also taken five wickets with the ball as well.

6. Lorcan Tucker:

The wicket-keeper batter Lorcan Tucker, is another rising star in the Irish batting lineup. He has done a decent job since making his debut for the team. Tucker is a pretty good finisher who can take on any bowling attack. This series will be an ideal platform for him to do well, which is needed from him.

7. George Dockrell:

George Dockrell is another experienced spin all-rounder in the team who has been with the team for more than ten years now. Dockrell will be very important in the middle overs with his spin bowling. He has taken 103 wickets in his career and scored 1284 runs with the bat as well.

8. Gareth Delany:

Another Irish batter who can bowl useful off-spin is Gareth Delany. He is a key player in the lineup who bats well against spin in the middle-order and is a powerful hitter. Delany can bowl off-spin, which adds variety to the Irish bowling attack. He will be looking to make an impact in the game, and he is capable of putting pressure on England.

9. Joshua Little:

Joshua Little will be leading the pace attack of the Irish team. The left-arm pacer has been under the pump in the last few series but is quite capable of taking wickets upfront, which will put pressure on England early on. He is also a good death bowler who can restrict the batters. In three games against England, he has taken nine wickets.

10. Craig Young:

Craig Young is another Irish bowler who can swing the ball in both directions to trouble the batters. He has been part of the team for quite some time now and has been doing well. Young will have a big duty on his shoulder to take a few wickets in the powerplay to give his team some advantage.

11. Mark Adair:

Mark Adair has been the best bowler for Ireland across formats. He is their main wicket-taker who takes wickets and has a knack for breaking partnerships. Adair will look to continue to do well and take wickets for his team. He has not played much against England, but he has been brilliant. In 41 ODIs, he has taken 54 wickets.