Ireland unchanged for World Cup qualifiers against Netherlands

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Phil Simmons

Ireland have named an unchanged squad for the crucial World Cup qualifiers against the Netherlands next month.

Two wins in Amsterdam would secure automatic qualification for the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Ireland currently top the ICC World Cricket League Championship table on 17 points, three ahead of the Dutch, who occupy second place.

"Without a doubt these matches are the most crucial we'll play this year," said Ireland coach Phil Simmons.

"While it's always fantastic to have fixtures against Full Members, qualification for global tournaments is the main goal.

"It's vital we keep performing on the world stage and show everyone just how far Irish cricket has come."

Ireland also currently top the InterContinental Cup table and will be hoping to beat the Dutch at Deventer on 1-4 July, which would secure a final place in the UAE in December.

Somerset left-arm spinner George Dockrell is the only county player selected, which means opportunities for John Anderson, Andrew Balbirnie, Phil Eaglestone, Stuart Thompson and Stuart Poynter.

Ireland squads:

ICC InterContinental Cup - July 1-4 at Deventer

Kevin O'Brien (captain) (Railway Union), John Anderson (Merrion), Andrew Balbirnie (Pembroke/Middlesex), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), George Dockrell (Somerset), Phil Eaglestone (Waringstown), Trent Johnston (YMCA), John Mooney (North County), Stuart Poynter (MCCYC), James Shannon (Instonians), Max Sorensen (The Hills), Stuart Thompson (Eglinton), Andrew White (Instonians).

ICC World Cricket League Championship 7 and 9 July at VRA, Amstelveen

William Porterfield (Captain) (Warwickshire), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), George Dockrell (Somerset), Trent Johnston (YMCA), Ed Joyce (Sussex), John Mooney (North County), Tim Murtagh (Middlesex), Kevin O'Brien (Railway Union), Niall O'Brien (Leicestershire), James Shannon (Instonians), Max Sorensen (The Hills), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey).

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