Ireland announces depleted 13-man squad to play against India, SA

Dublin, June 17 (UNI) Ireland have named an under-strength 13-man squad for their one-dayers at home against India and South Africa next week.

Ireland play India on June 23 and South Africa the following day at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, Belfast.

India and South Africa then face each other for a three-match ODI series at the same venue (June 26, 29, July 1).

Several of Irish World Cup players including new-ball bowlers Dave Langford-Smith and Boyd Rankin and all-rounder Andre Botha are missing from the squad as they failed to recover from injuries in time.

The batting also lacks depth with middlesex batsman Eoin Morgan not available as he is aiming to qualify for England while Jeremy Bray -- who scored a century against Zimbabwe at the Caribbean World Cup -- has declared himself unavailable.

Ireland are looking to build on their successful World Cup campaign in the West Indies.

The Irish defied expectation to reach the Super Eights phase in the Caribbean, including a superb upset win over Pakistan during the initial group stage. Their second win over Bangladesh in the Super Eights earned them entry into the main International Cricket Council one-day ranking list.

Ireland squad: Trent Johnston (captain), Kenny Carroll, Alex Cusack, Thinus Fourie, Dominick Joyce, Gary Kidd, Kyle McCallan, Kevin O' Brien, Niall O' Brien, William Porterfield, Roger Whelan, Andrew White, Gary Wilson UNI XC PDS SSC PM1319