Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan feels that young pace bowler Joshua Little will be a crucial player in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh given his growth following several appearances in franchise T20 tournaments.
Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan feels that young pace bowler Joshua Little will be a crucial player in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh given his growth following several appearances in franchise T20 tournaments.
Left-arm seamer Little became the first Irish cricketer to play in the IPL and already made his mark for defending champions Gujarat Titans, taking five wickets at an economy of 8.56.
To participate in the IPL 2023, the 23-year-old was granted leave to miss the recent tour to Bangladesh and the recently concluded Test series in Sri Lanka. However, he will now leave the league and miss a couple of matches for Titans to represent his country in this very crucial series. The stakes are high for Ireland in the series for even a single defeat will put them out of contention for automatic World Cup qualification.
“Yes very much looking forward to having Josh back with us,”
Malan told Cricbuzz
“He has developed into a consistent performer on the world stage in different leagues in the last 6-8 months and we are very much looking forward to having his skills and experience with us. He wants to have an impact in the game whenever he gets the ball in hand and that stands out as probably his biggest trait,”
he said.
With his variations in pace and control, Little has already made a mark for the Titans in the IPL, and Malan has singled out his new-found ability to bowl bouncers as the next step in his development.
“He could swing the ball and bowl quality yorkers and has now developed a good bouncer,”
Malan said.
“With more playing experience he will be able to identify what is needed in the situation and have the skills and experience to implement (what is required for the team),”
he said.
Malan added that he is also expecting pacer Conor Olphert and Craig Young to play their part in the series following their injuries.
“I am also welcoming Craig Young and Conor Olphert back from injury. It is a nice boost to our bowling stocks and hopefully they can play and have impacts across the series,”
he added.
However, the only practice match for Bangladesh will take place today at Fenner’s Cambridge Ground in England against the Ireland Wolves. Ace Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan will miss the only practice game as he is only expected to reach the camp today.
All-rounder Mehedy Hasan said that they still have some time to get used to the English weather ahead of the series.
“Everything is very good. We came to England after four years (the first time since the 2019 World Cup). We have a match here against Ireland. Our initial target was to adapt to the conditions. We’ve already had two days of practice and the sessions were very good. A little bit cold here but we’re coping with the condition very quickly,”
said Mehidy ahead of the practice game.
“We will try to play well in the practice match as well as to adapt to the conditions. Overall, the preparation has been very good. All cricketers are in good touch. We come here a little bit earlier so it has become easier for us to adapt to the situation,”
he added.
The host team will meet on Saturday in Chelmsford and start their preparation on Sunday for the three ODIs, which are scheduled for May 9, 12, and 14.