For the Afghan test, is there a case for Paul Stirling opening the batting, given there should be less lateral movement in the early stages than in England or Ireland? Either Moor or McCollum would then miss out. You could then bring in George Dockrell to give an extra spin option besides improving the batting and fielding. Maybe Harry Tector and even Paul Stirling could contribute to the slow bowling. There might then be a case for Graeme Hume to play rather than Theo vW.
I'm sure that's a conversation that could be had, given he opened vs Afghanistan in 2019. You're right in that it could open up an option for Dockrell to both expand the attack and elongate the line-up, but that doesn't change the fact that Ireland are still relying on part-timers in relatively spin-friendly conditions. They probably should have had a third spinner in there as cover, who could play if it turns out to be a dust bowl, but they've left themselves a bit short in my mind. Still, they are confident it won't spin as much as perhaps we expect. From my conversations with people, Thew VW will definitely play. Dropping one of Moor and McCollum would be somewhat harsh given they haven't been given scope to fail. 4 Tests in the previous 12 months, all drastically spread out, isn't really a decent run to settle in a side. Besides, in 3 First Class games back in his native Zim this winter, Moor has scored 339 runs at an average of 56.5.
Would you see josh playing in the summer home test? (I also not shocked by his lack of selection given that he is getting franchise contracts left right and center )
I think there's a decent chance, if he's kept on in the 100, Little's franchise commitments could clash with a Test but I haven't seen any final dates yet. For the next two years, I would be very surprised if Little plays a red ball game for Ireland.
For the Afghan test, is there a case for Paul Stirling opening the batting, given there should be less lateral movement in the early stages than in England or Ireland? Either Moor or McCollum would then miss out. You could then bring in George Dockrell to give an extra spin option besides improving the batting and fielding. Maybe Harry Tector and even Paul Stirling could contribute to the slow bowling. There might then be a case for Graeme Hume to play rather than Theo vW.
I'm sure that's a conversation that could be had, given he opened vs Afghanistan in 2019. You're right in that it could open up an option for Dockrell to both expand the attack and elongate the line-up, but that doesn't change the fact that Ireland are still relying on part-timers in relatively spin-friendly conditions. They probably should have had a third spinner in there as cover, who could play if it turns out to be a dust bowl, but they've left themselves a bit short in my mind. Still, they are confident it won't spin as much as perhaps we expect. From my conversations with people, Thew VW will definitely play. Dropping one of Moor and McCollum would be somewhat harsh given they haven't been given scope to fail. 4 Tests in the previous 12 months, all drastically spread out, isn't really a decent run to settle in a side. Besides, in 3 First Class games back in his native Zim this winter, Moor has scored 339 runs at an average of 56.5.
Would you see josh playing in the summer home test? (I also not shocked by his lack of selection given that he is getting franchise contracts left right and center )
I think there's a decent chance, if he's kept on in the 100, Little's franchise commitments could clash with a Test but I haven't seen any final dates yet. For the next two years, I would be very surprised if Little plays a red ball game for Ireland.