India-born all-rounder in Ireland squad

For 30-year-old Simi Singh, the doors of international cricket opened on Monday as he was included in the Ireland’s 14-man squad for the tri-series later this month.

Published : May 08, 2017 22:39 IST

Simi Singh, who has been playing and coaching at Dublin’s YMCA, will be replacing Andy McBrine.
Simi Singh, who has been playing and coaching at Dublin’s YMCA, will be replacing Andy McBrine.
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Simi Singh, who has been playing and coaching at Dublin’s YMCA, will be replacing Andy McBrine.

For 30-year-old Simi Singh, the doors of international cricket opened on Monday as he was included in the Ireland’s 14-man squad for the tri-series later this month.

Born in Punjab, Singh received Irish citizenship last month, and after his impressive performances for both Ireland A and Leinster Lightning, the selectors gave him a call up for the series that also features New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Singh, who has been playing and coaching at Dublin’s YMCA, will be replacing Andy McBrine. That is the only change in the Ireland side that lost the ODI series against England last week. “I am absolutely delighted with my call up and looking forward to the matches,” Singh was quoted as saying by a Cricket Ireland media release.

Singh came to Ireland as a teenager with a hope of wearing the green jersey, and it’s finally a dream come true for him. “I appreciate the support of my family and friends and also my club YMCA. This wonderful opportunity wouldn't have been possible without them,” he said, adding: “There’s no doubt that I've been helped by strong performances for Leinster Lightning this past few seasons, and this campaign has started well with runs and wickets for Ireland Wolves.”

Ireland Head Coach John Bracewell was excited about Singh’s inclusion in the side. “I’ve been impressed by his quality with bat and ball,” said Bracewell.

“He is an intelligent cricketer who can adapt to all situations depending on the match situation. He strikes the ball very cleanly, has good technique, and scores all round the wicket,” Bracewell said, adding: “His bowling is strong with subtle variations, mixing up his pace and he extracts good turn and bounce from the pitch.”

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