Kevin O'Brien to lead Ireland in Intercontinental clash
Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Kevin O'Brien will captain Ireland in the rearranged Intercontinental Cup opener against Namibia at Stormont from 6-9 September.
O'Brien is handed the captaincy in the absence of regular skipper William Porterfield with another candidate Trent Johnston ruled out by injury.
The squad includes uncapped duo Stuart Poynter and Graeme McCarter.
Porterfield, Boyd Rankin and Niall O'Brien are county-tied so Phil Eaglestone is included in the 13.
"I'm really excited to be captaining the side against Namibia, althought it's not the first time I've had the honour," said O'Brien.
"I took charge against West Indies A in Belfast last year and also when we played Kenya in Dubai just before the start of the World Cup but this will be slightly different.
"This will be a great experience for me and the four-day game gives skippers a chance to try different ideas and put their own stamp on the team.
"We have a few new faces in the squad for the game, with Stuart Poynter and Graeme McCarter both uncapped at senior level.
"This is an excellent chance for them, and the rest of the squad to make a mark ahead of the winter schedule."
The four-day game was originally scheduled for early July but was postponed when Namibia encountered visa delays.
The Irish went on to beat Namibia in two one-day games later in July.
