What's going on with Josh Little?

Some believe Ireland's fastest bowler has not been at his best since embarking on the franchise merry-go-round. Are they right?

Injuries are never ideal. Yet some can be worse than others. At this stage of his career, an injury for Josh Little is particularly poorly timed.

Pulling up with a leg issue seven overs into his spell during Sunday’s final ODI left Ireland short of options. Jordan Neill had already done his shoulder. Death bowling struggles can at least in part be attributed to a dearth in seamers.

Yet Ireland also struggled when armed with a full complement. On Friday, Little endured the most expensive day of his international career, taking 2-89 off 10 overs. He felt the wrath of Matthew Forde’s record-equalling hitting display, at one stage conceding four sixes in just one over.

It’s not the first time in recent memory that Little has struggled in the green of Ireland. Some fans bemoan his franchise workload. There is an argument that he has not been at his best for Ireland ever since jumping on the merry-go-round of T20 leagues. Such a view is harsh, but it is true that Little has not consistently hit a peak similar to the 2022 World Cup displays which earned him his first go in the IPL.

With T20 games for both Middlesex and Ireland on the horizon, injury threatens Little’s chances of building much-needed momentum.

Where does Ireland’s premier fast bowler go from here?