Ireland v South Africa: Forthcoming ODI and T20 series ‘the start of a new cycle’

Former captain Andrew Balbirnie has been omitted from the T20 squad as Ireland tweak the top end of their batting order for that format of the game.

“One area we will explore on this tour is the top order in our T20 squad,” said White. “We’ll be looking at introducing a new dynamic, with Andrew Balbirnie sitting out the T20Is on this occasion.

“There are only two T20Is in the upcoming series, but they will offer important opportunities as we try to increase our levels of performance again. Andrew remains very much central to our thoughts and will open the batting in the ODIs.”

Uncapped leg spinner Gavin Hoey is named in the 15-strong ODI group after being selected in the squad for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in late July.

“The Ireland Emerging and Wolves tours over the last 18 months have been invaluable to the players but also in terms of our succession planning,” explained White.

“We need to deepen our pool of international cricketers and for the likes of Gavin Hoey, he will come into the international arena with greater confidence following his involvement in such fixtures and this is hugely important.

“The volume of international fixtures leading into 2027 is exciting and there will be opportunities for players to make their mark.”

Ireland will face South Africa in T20Is on 27 and 29 September, followed by ODIs on 2, 4 and 7 October.