Ireland announce World Cup squad

Kenny Carroll edged out former captain Jason Molins when Ireland named their 15-man squad for next year's ICC World Cup tournament in the Caribbean.
There were no major shocks in the squad which will led by Australia-born all-rounder Trent Johnston.

However, the inexperienced Carroll has been given the thumbs up after playing only a handful of games this season.

"There were a few difficult choices to be made and Kenny's was one of them," said National coach Adrian Birrell.

"As with any team or squad, the most debate comes down to the last place or two, and this squad was no exception.

"But the selectors have gone for form and consistency over the season, and not just on an innings or two. "I'm very happy with the make-up of the squad. There's a strong blend of youth and experience, with plenty of options available."

The squad conforms to my coaching principles, which are to have fit, multi-dimensional cricketers

Adrian Birrell

Birrell, who steps down after the finals, will be working on individual skills now that there is now more action until January when the same squad feature in the World League Division One.

The vast majority of the squad chose themselves with Johnston proving the ideal inspirational leader since he took over from Molins at the end of last season.

Naturally, Ireland have their English-based stars available. Kent wicket-keeper Niall O'Brien is joined by Andrew White, who while not setting the world alight at Northants, has never let Ireland down.

Since Ed Joyce has switched to England, his Middlesex county colleague Eoin Morgan has taken over the mantle as Ireland's run machine, and he will be an important player in the West Indies.

Johnston will be Ireland's first World Cup captain

Dubliners John Mooney and Kevin O'Brien are all-rounders who have made big impressions while the biggest bonus this summer has been Dave Langford-Smith.

The Australian-born speedster will form an excellent opening attack with his skipper after making his debut against Hampshire in the C&G Trophy back in April.

It is the first time Ireland have appeared in the World Cup and they are in the same first round group as hosts West Indies, Pakistan and Zimbabwe, and Birrell is confident that he had the right men for the job.

"It's the same 15 which won the European Championships in Scotland and it conforms to my coaching principles, which are to have fit, multi-dimensional cricketers," said Birrell.

Ireland squad: T Johnston (capt), K McCallan (vice-capt), A Botha, J Bray, K Carroll, P Gillespie, J Mooney, P Mooney, E Morgan, K O'Brien, N O'Brien, W Porterfield, B Rankin, D Langford-Smith, A White.
Reserves: M Fourie, G Kidd, J Molins, R Whelan, G Wilson.