Tim Tector called up as replacement after Stirling suffers a broken finger in third ODI
Ireland captain Paul Stirling has been ruled out of the remainder of the team's tour of Namibia after suffering a broken finger during the third One-Day International (ODI). Lorcan Tucker will take over the captaincy, while Tim Tector has been called up as a replacement.
Ireland began the five-match ODI series with a 55-run victory in Windhoek last Thursday. However, consecutive defeats have left them trailing 2-1 in the series. They were bowled out for 290 while chasing a target of 322 on Saturday before suffering a 63-run defeat in the third ODI on Tuesday, despite a century from Curtis Campher.
Stirling, 36, sustained the injury while fielding during Tuesday's match and was unable to participate in Ireland's run chase.
According to Cricket Ireland, Stirling injured his finger while fielding at short cover when he dived to attempt a low catch off a powerful cut shot from Jan Frylinck. The ball struck his fingertip, resulting in a fracture.
A hospital assessment later confirmed the injury, and Stirling will return home for recovery and rehabilitation, Cricket Ireland said in a statement on Wednesday.
Tucker Takes Charge for Remaining ODIs
Tucker will lead Ireland for the remainder of the series. He previously took over as Ireland's T20 International (T20I) captain following the team's exit from the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Under Tucker's leadership, Ireland recorded a surprise 2-0 series victory over reigning world champions India in June. Although he has not previously captained Ireland in an ODI, he stepped in after Stirling was injured during Tuesday's match.
Tim Tector Called Up as Cover
Tim Tector has been flown to Namibia to strengthen Ireland's squad ahead of the fourth ODI, scheduled for Friday. The younger brother of established Ireland batter Harry Tector, Tim has represented Ireland in eight T20Is but is yet to make his ODI debut.
Following the Namibia series, Tector is expected to remain in southern Africa for the Ireland Wolves' tour of Zimbabwe.
Prendergast Secures WPL Contract
Meanwhile, Ireland's women's cricket team received positive news as Orla Prendergast secured a contract with Gujarat Giants at the Women's Premier League (WPL) auction.
Prendergast was bought for INR 30 lakh, approximately €28,000, making her the second Irish player after Kim Garth to feature in the competition. She will also become the first active Ireland international to play in the WPL.
