Ireland They announced a 14-member team for a one-time test against New ZealandFour players received their first call-ups ahead of the historic competition in Belfast. The four-day Test, which begins at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont on May 27, will mark Ireland’s 14th appearance in the longest format and their first Test against the Black Caps.
Young key Jake Egan and fast bowlers Tom Mayes, Reuben Wilson and Liam McCarthy Headlining the squad selection that suggests Ireland continue to build depth in red-ball cricket despite a couple of injury setbacks in camp.
Young talents were honored after impressive local performances
New faces include 22-year-old Jake Egan and 19-year-old pacer. Reuben Wilson have yet to make their international debut in any format. Both players have appeared recently Emerald ChallengeA local fixture featuring some of Ireland’s best red ball cricketers, where they caught the attention of the selectors with their composed performances.
While Wilson’s inclusion is particularly notable given his age and limited first-class experience, Egan’s steady rise in domestic cricket has now earned him an opportunity at the highest level.
Mayes and McCarthy, meanwhile, have already represented Ireland in white-ball cricket but are now set to enter the Test arena for the first time. The inclusion of the three seamers underlines Ireland’s intention to field a strong pace attack in the Belfast conditions, which will help the fast bowlers.
Injury setbacks force Ireland to make changes
Ireland will be without several senior players due to injury for the Test. Veteran projectile Paul Stirling Decommissioned after experiencing 2C strain during the Emerald Challenge. Stirling had earlier suffered a tough ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign after picking up a knee injury in Ireland’s clash against Australia.
The Irish side have also lost their experienced pace Barry McCarthy for the remainder of the year due to a left ACL injury. Spinner Gavin Hoey and it is inaccessible due to the tension on the left side Josh Little continues to recover from a rib stress fracture. Jordan Neill He also missed selection after tearing his right shoulder muscle.
In another important development, comprehensive Curtis Camphor As Cricket Ireland carefully manage his return to bowling duties, he will feature as a mere batter in the Test.
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Andrew Balbirnie will lead an experienced core
Experienced dough Andrew Balbirnie is expected to anchor a relatively young team next to well-established names such as Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair and Andrew McBrien.
Ireland’s final Test assignment has arrived Bangladesh They lost both matches of the two-test series in November 2025. The upcoming match against New Zealand presents another tough challenge, but also a valuable opportunity for Ireland’s emerging players to shine against elite opposition.
With several youngsters getting their first opportunity and senior players missing out through injury, the Belfast Test could represent the start of a new chapter in Ireland’s red ball journey.
Squad for Ireland New Zealand Test: Andrew Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, Stephen Doheny, Jake Egan, Matthew Humphreys, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ruben Wilson, Craig Young
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