Stirling secures Ireland call
May 07 2009 - 10:14:03
Ireland have included schoolboy Paul Stirling in their 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20.
The 18-year-old batsman impressed in recent Friends Provident Trophy games, making 80 against Leicestershire and 51 against Worcestershire.
Coach Phil Simmons commented: "Paul has been in such good form in the Friends Provident Trophy, with two exceptional knocks.
"It has not just been the fact that he has scored runs, but the manner in which he has played.
"He has been confident, powerful and dominant and it is hard to believe that innings of such maturity come from one so young.
"He looks the part and has a great attitude to the game which will stand him in good stead in years to come."
Squad: W Porterfield (captain), A Botha, J Bray, P Connell, A Cusack, T Johnston, K McCallan, J Mooney, K O'Brien, N O'Brien, B Rankin, P Stirling, R West, A White, G Wilson.