NewKerala.com

Ireland Captain Paul Stirling Out of T20 World Cup with Knee Injury

Ireland has suffered a major setback as captain Paul Stirling has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup due to a knee ligament injury. The injury occurred during Ireland's match against Australia, both while fielding and batting. He will be replaced in the squad by 20-year-old batter Sam Topping, who is already training in similar conditions. Ireland's next match is against Oman in Colombo.

Key Points: Paul Stirling Injured, Out of T20 World Cup

  • Paul Stirling suffers knee ligament damage
  • Replaced by 20-year-old Sam Topping
  • Injury occurred during match vs Australia
  • Ireland to face Oman next
2 min read

Ireland skipper Paul Stirling to miss remainder of T20 WC, Sam Topping named replacement

Ireland skipper Paul Stirling ruled out of T20 World Cup with ligament damage. Sam Topping named as his replacement in the squad.

"Paul Stirling underwent an assessment... which has subsequently revealed ligament damage - as such, he has been ruled out. - Graeme West"

New Delhi, February 13

Ireland have faced a significant blow as their skipper Paul Stirling has suffered ligament damage to his knee and will miss the remainder of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Stirling will be replaced by 20-year-old batter Sam Topping in Ireland's T20 World Cup squad.

Stirling hurt his right knee when completing a catch during Ireland's 67-run loss to Australia on Wednesday, and the experienced captain aggravated it once again when he went for a quick single when returning to the crease to bat in the same match, as per the ICC website.

Ireland's Director of High Performance, Graeme West, said it was a bitter blow to lose Stirling's experience, though he has high hopes for Topping as a replacement.

"Paul Stirling underwent an assessment and a scan after the Australian match, which has subsequently revealed ligament damage - as such, he has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup. Paul will shortly return home for rest and rehabilitation, ahead of the home summer," West said.

"To replace Paul, we have called up Sam Topping, who is able to provide immediate cover as he is a short flight away in Chennai. Sam has been with the Northern Knights training squad and has been playing and training in similar conditions to Sri Lanka. The skill set he offers provides cover across a number of areas within the squad, which is important as Ben Calitz is also carrying a knock to his hand after the last match."

Ireland will next be in action against Oman in Colombo on Saturday. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe have also been forced into a squad alteration of their own, with Ben Curran coming into the 15-player group for injured veteran Brendon Taylor.

Ireland squad: Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Sam Topping, Ben White, Craig Young.

Zimbabwe squad: Sikandar Raza (c), Brian Bennett, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer, Ben Curran, Bradley Evans, Clive Madande, Tinotenda Maposa, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Wellington Masakadza, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting that they called up a player from Chennai. Shows how global cricket has become. Wishing Stirling a speedy recovery. Injuries are the worst part of any sport.
A
Arjun K
Feel for the Irish team. They always play with so much heart. But honestly, the scheduling is brutal. Players are getting injured left and right. ICC needs to look at the calendar, it's too packed.
P
Priya S
Big opportunity for Sam Topping! 20 years old and playing in a World Cup. That's a dream. Hope he makes the most of it. From an Indian fan, all the best to Ireland for their match against Oman.
V
Vikram M
The article mentions Zimbabwe's change too. Brendon Taylor is a legend for them. Sad to see him go out injured. These associate nations fight so hard, they deserve better luck with injuries. Get well soon to all players.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while it's sad for Stirling, this is where team depth is tested. Ireland's management seems to have a plan by calling someone already acclimatised to subcontinent conditions. Smart move. Let's see if it pays off.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50