Young back in action after 'long road to recovery'

Craig Young made his Ireland debut at Malahide 11 years ago

Ireland v England, second of three-match T20I series

Venue: Malahide, County Dublin Date: Friday, 19 September Start time: 13:30 BST

Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds; live text commentary on BBC Sport website and app

Ireland seamer Craig Young says he was happy to be back in action in Wednesday's opening T20I against England at Malahide after missing the series over the same format against West Indies in June with a hamstring injury.

The 35-year-old bowled three overs for 26 as England prevailed by four wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Ireland made 196-3 but, inspired by Phil Salt's 86, their opponents reached 197-6 in reply, to win with 14 deliveries to spare.

The sides meet again on Friday and Saturday at the same venue, the ground where Young made his Ireland debut 11 years ago.

"The recovery from injury was a long road that wasn't all that straightforward. I did a Grade 3C [tear] on my right hamstring but the physios were brilliant - they really helped push me on and give me confidence in my leg again," explained Young.

"It has been a pretty frustrating summer personally. I've been looking forward to getting back out on the park with the lads and it was great to do that on Wednesday in front of a good home support.

"There's nothing better than getting out there and plying your trade against the best."

Craig Young was introduced as Ireland's fourth bowler in Wednesday's loss to England

Young believes Ireland can overcome England on Friday if they can replicate their batting display in the first encounter between the teams and perform well with the ball.

"I don't think conditions played a massive part [on Wednesday] - the wicket was on the slower side, but we are familiar with that," he said.

"There wasn't much nip or swing for us, but hopefully there's still a bit in the track for Friday to help particularly our seamers.

"We all know how good England are, but we will back ourselves. Our batters were brilliant on Wednesday, and hopefully they can come again and we as bowlers back them up and we can get out on the right side of a result."

Young revealed that he "didn't look at the scoreboard" when he was introduced to the home side's attack as their fourth bowler with England sitting at 52-0.

"I just wanted to get started and into my work," he said.

"We knew they would come out swinging at everything - and they did, and did it well.

"We had our plans, and I felt we stuck to them as best we could, but it was a challenge, that's for sure."

The right-handed bowler is Ireland's second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is and says he in enamored with the format.

"T20 cricket has possibly grown to be my favourite format. I love Test cricket - when it comes along there is a huge spike in workload to try and get the overs under the belt, but nothing apart from playing can get you used to a day in the field and bowling in spells," he said.

"I wouldn't say I particularly enjoyed T20 at the start of my career, but when Gary Wilson became captain he really supported me and gave me a good run - and, in particular, I felt he backed me and gave me confidence in that he wanted me and needed me in the team. I never really looked back after that.

"With T20Is, for me it really comes down to trying to keep it simple and understanding 'the nature of the beast'. Some days you can bowl well and get no wickets, and vice versa, but it's just about trying to be consistent and embracing it all."