Reuben Wilson, a 19-year-old Clontarf fast bowler, has been selected in a 14-strong Ireland squad for the Test against New Zealand in Belfast. He could become the youngest Irishman to earn a Test cap if included in the XI, coming only nine days after his first-class debut. Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie praised Wilson’s control and ability to test batters’ defenses, citing his U-19 World Cup performances and recent warm-up displays. Paul Stirling is ruled out with a calf strain, and Jake Egan is a likely replacement after a composed century in the Emerald Challenge. Ireland has limited multi-day preparation, so selection is based on current form.
"I was really impressed with Reuben's control and skillset this week, without a lot of red ball cricket behind him,"
"I've faced him in the nets a number of times, and he tests your defence which is key in Test cricket. We know what he did in the U-19 World Cup and there might be an opportunity for him to play."
"We have guys making first-class debuts this week who are going to be playing in the Test match next week. That's not going to happen in other countries. So you're picking on what you see,"
"Jake Egan wasn't on the radar, but he's a guy who showed us he's in form in the first-class format and we have a game next week so why wouldn't he be selected?"
Read at Irish Independent
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