Gavin Hoey Receives Maiden Call-Up to Ireland's Test Squad for Zimbabwe Clash

Uncapped leg spinner Gavin Hoey has been named in the Ireland squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe, starting on July 25 in Belfast. Hoey joins a spin attack that features left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys and offspinner Andy McBrine.

Humphreys and Hoey, who together have only one Test cap, replaced Theo van Woerkom and George Dockrell. Seamer Matthew Foster, part of the squad that secured Ireland’s first Test win against Afghanistan in March, was also left out. Humphreys had a challenging Test debut against Sri Lanka in Galle last year, conceding 67 runs in ten overs. However, his recent form has been impressive, taking 15 wickets in two first-class matches against the West Indies Academy for Ireland's Emerging side, with an average of 12.60 and two five-wicket hauls.

National selector Andrew White commented on Humphreys’ resurgence, noting his hard work to regain form and confidence. White praised Humphreys’ performances for Ireland Wolves, particularly in the recent series against the West Indies Academy, and highlighted the consistency he has shown, which earned him the call-up.

White also highlighted Hoey's potential as an attacking legspinner, capable of spinning the ball both ways, making him a strong wicket-taking option. He mentioned that Hoey has been on the selectors’ radar for some time and this is his opportunity to acclimate to the Test squad environment.

Notably absent from the squad is left-arm quick Josh Little, who is currently with the LA Knight Riders in the USA for the MLC. Little has prioritised white-ball cricket and franchise opportunities but remains passionate about playing Test cricket in the future. He expressed his intent to focus on franchise cricket for the next two years before turning his attention to Test cricket.

PJ Moor will play his first international match against his birth country, Zimbabwe. Moor, who qualified to play for Ireland in October 2022, was part of the team that achieved Ireland's first Test win in Abu Dhabi.

Ireland Test Squad

- Andrew Balbirnie (captain)

- Mark Adair

- Curtis Campher

- Gavin Hoey

- Graham Hume

- Matthew Humphreys

- Andy McBrine

- Barry McCarthy

- James McCollum

- PJ Moor

- Paul Stirling

- Harry Tector

- Lorcan Tucker

- Craig Young

In

- Gavin Hoey

- Matthew Humphreys

Out

- George Dockrell

- Matthew Foster

- Theo van Woerkom