Jack Tector and Nathan Smith have earned their first call-ups to the senior ranks of Irish cricket on the back of some excellent performances with Ireland Wolves.
Chair of Selectors Alan Lewis has announced a 14-man squad for this month's ICC InterContinental Cup clash with The Netherlands.
YMCA opening batsman Tector (20), who scored a century for the Wolves against Scotland A on his home ground last month, was overjoyed when he got the call-up.
"I'm obviously delighted to be included in the squad. It has been a dream of mine for a long time so it's massively exciting.
"I've been happy with how the season has gone so far. The winter was brilliant with the Shapoorji Pallonji Academy and it's nice to see that paying off.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way, particularly my club YMCA who have been so supportive."
Just recently, 22-year-old Instonians paceman Smith took five wickets in the rain-affected draw against the MCC Young Cricketers and he is relishing the opportunity to show-case his talents on the international stage.
"I'm absolutely delighted with the call. It's great to be a part of this exciting time in Irish cricket and I'm looking forward to the challenge," said the 22 year-old.
"It's been a dream of mine to play international cricket. It will be great to be in the senior dressing room with guys I look up to."
Boyd Rankin and Kevin O'Brien return to the 14-man squad, having missed the last I-Cup match against Afghanistan in March, while in the spin department, Simi Singh and Jacob Mulder are preferred to George Dockrell and Andrew McBrine.
Selection of the squad was hampered by injury to a number of big Irish players. Paul Stirling (calf), Niall O'Brien (shoulder) and Craig Young (elbow) were all ruled out through injury. O'Brien is recovering from a shoulder injury and was deemed too great a risk to include in the squad.
Although Young is currently playing in the ongoing IP Championship match at Comber, he recently suffered a recurrence of a previous injury, which is due for a further review and possible intervention next week. Therefore, he too was deemed too great a risk by the selectors.
Chair of Selectors Alan Lewis explained the rationale behind the squad selection.
"Obviously certain players are battling with injuries, with Paul Stirling, Craig Young, and Niall O'Brien either not available for selection or a risk.
"The spinning option geared itself to our ability to take 20 wickets and win the game. This is reflected in the selection, but as always these were tight calls.
"In terms of the call-ups to Jack Tector, Nathan Smith, and indeed Simi Singh, it is a reflection of the strength of the SP National Academy and Wolves programme and how they have performed.
"It is the type of clear competition we want to breed within the squad moving forward with others also putting their hand up now.”
Ireland are currently in second place in the table, one point behind leaders Afghanistan.
IRELAND SQUAD FOR ICC INTERCONTINENTAL CUP at Malahide, August 15-18.
William Porterfield (captain)
John Anderson
Andrew Balbirnie
Peter Chase
Ed Joyce
Barry McCarthy
Jacob Mulder
Tim Murtagh
Kevin O’Brien
Boyd Rankin
Simi Singh
Nathan Smith
Jack Tector
Gary Wilson
