Cricket in Ireland is entering an exciting new chapter as the men’s national team prepares for a three-match T20I series against England. The games will be played in Dublin from September 17 to 21, 2025, and fans are buzzing with anticipation.
The big talking point is the first-ever call-up for young wicketkeeper-batter Ben Calitz. At just 23 years old, Calitz has been rewarded for his impressive domestic performances and now has the chance to showcase his talent on the international stage.
What Makes This Squad Interesting
Ireland’s selectors have chosen a group that blends seasoned stars with new names:
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Paul Stirling stays at the helm as captain, guiding the squad with his experience.
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Ben Calitz is set to make his debut, giving Ireland more batting depth and an additional wicketkeeping option.
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Injuries to seamers Josh Little, Mark Adair, and Fionn Hand create space for other players to step up.
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A balance of youth and experience gives the team fresh energy while keeping reliable match-winners in the mix.
Match Fixtures – Ireland vs England T20Is
The series will be staged at Malahide Cricket Ground, and all matches are afternoon fixtures starting at 1:30 pm local time.
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September 17: 1st T20I – Ireland vs England
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September 19: 2nd T20I – Ireland vs England
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September 21: 3rd T20I – Ireland vs England
Tickets are in high demand. The final match on September 21 is already sold out, showing just how much excitement this series has generated.
Ireland Men’s T20I Squad
Here’s the full lineup chosen for the series against England:
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Paul Stirling (captain)
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Ross Adair
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Ben Calitz
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Curtis Campher
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Gareth Delany
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George Dockrell
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Graham Hume
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Matthew Humphreys
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Barry McCarthy
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Jordan Neil
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Harry Tector
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Lorcan Tucker
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Ben White
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Craig Young
Head Coach: Heinrich Malan
National selector Andrew White explained that while missing experienced bowlers is a setback, it also opens the door for new cricketers to step in and prove themselves. He emphasized that this series is a valuable opportunity for rising players to show they can compete at the highest level.
Ireland’s Strengths and Challenges
| Area | Strengths | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Batting | Proven experience with Stirling and Tector; new spark from Calitz | Reliance on top order for runs |
| Bowling | Variety with seam and spin options | Injuries reduce pace attack depth |
| Fielding | Young players bring speed and energy | Limited big-match exposure for newcomers |
| Team Mix | Healthy balance of senior pros and fresh faces | Testing new talent against world-class England |
Why This Series Matters
Taking on England is always a huge challenge, but it’s also the perfect test for Ireland. Playing at home gives the team strong crowd support, while the series allows selectors to experiment before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
For Ben Calitz, this is a moment that could define his career. For Ireland as a whole, it’s a chance to show how much progress they have made and to prove that they can stand up to one of the world’s most powerful cricketing nations.
Conclusion
The upcoming Ireland vs England T20I series is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about building for the future. The debut of Ben Calitz adds excitement, while experienced leaders like Paul Stirling provide stability. With packed stands in Dublin and the final match already sold out, the stage is set for three thrilling contests.
Cricket fans in Ireland and beyond will be watching closely as this team blends youth, experience, and determination to take on their oldest rivals.
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