Cricket Ireland have enlisted the help of Somerset County Cricket Club’s Stuart Barnes for the One Day International (ODI) series against England.
Barnes has previously coached Bangladesh, Surrey and England Young Lions amongst others and will join the Ireland senior men’s coaching staff for the three-match series against the hosts which starts on 31 July.
The former Gloucestershire cricketer is Somerset’s full time Assistant & Specialist Bowling Coach.
He will assume a similar role for Ireland under the guidance of head coach Graham Ford, joining the squad for the 19-day period covering the ODI camp, two warm-up matches and three ODIs.
To receive an invitation to help coach at international level was very pleasing," said Barnes on the announcement of his appointment.
"Not only is it a great chance for me to learn by being in that environment, it’s an opportunity to find ways to add value to the Ireland dressing room and assist the Irish bowlers in this One-Day Series against England.
"Both Cricket Ireland and Somerset County Cricket Club have been unbelievably accommodating in making this happen and allowing me to proceed with this opportunity."
Stuart Barnes (left - courtesy Somerset CCC)High Performance Director for Cricket Ireland, Richard Holdsworth, is hoping that Barnes' local knowledge will be of help to Ireland's bowlers.
"Stuart is a highly-respected coach and we are delighted he is able to join our support staff for this series as Assistant and Bowling Coach," said Holdsworth.
"Not only will his expertise be of value, but his knowledge of local conditions will assist our bowling unit greatly."
"We would like to thank Director of Cricket Andy Hurry and the management of Somerset County Cricket Club – not just for agreeing this deal with Stuart, but for their long-term support for Irish cricket.
"Just from the current squad, the likes of George Dockrell and Kevin O’Brien have appeared for Somerset over the years, and we are appreciative that this arrangement was facilitated so smoothly."
Cricket Ireland has also revealed the details of the bio-secure travel arrangements for the travelling Irish squad who are due to arrive in the UK in just over one week.
"To comply with public health directives in England and satisfy requirements of public health authorities in the Republic and Northern Ireland, the three fixtures will be held within a bio-secure venue, with the squad leaving on 18 July from Dublin airport on a special charter flight.
"The team will be transferred to a hotel that is within the grounds of the Ageas Bowl and stay until their departure on 5 August.
"The players and support staff will be tested a week before departure, on arrival and regularly during their stay.
"This testing complements the current regime already in place since the squad resumed training three weeks ago."
Cricket Ireland tour schedule:
- 18 July: Squad departs from Dublin for ODI Training Camp
- 22 July: Practice match
- 26 July: Ireland XI v England Lions (warm-up match)
- 30 July: 1st ODI v England (day/night, starts 2pm)
- 1 August: 2nd ODI v England (day/night, starts 2pm)
- 4 August: 3rd ODI v England (day/night, starts 2pm)
- 5 August: Squads returns to Dublin
Broadcast details:
- All three ODIs will be available to watch live on Sky Sports Cricket in Ireland/UK. Please check local guides for countries outside of this.
- BBC Sport will be providing Test Match Special commentary, BBC2 will provide TV highlights and BBC social media will feature video clips during play.
