Neil Rock will captain Ireland Wolves for their eight-match tour against Namibia A next month.

The Rush wicket-keeper batsman will be a the helm for three T20s and five 50-overs matches, all taking place at the Wanderers ground in Windhoek.

Neil Rock: Pic Joe Curtis

Murray Commins is included after the South African became eligible, while Matt Ford, son of former Head Coach Graham, also gets an opportunity.

Ross Adair, brother of Mark, and Fionn Hand, are also exciting introductions as the Irish look for power hitting options in the batting.

“Neil Rock, who has captained at Ireland Under-19 level, has been around the senior squad for a little while now and understands the standards that will be expected from the Wolves squad," said Head of Selectors Andrew White.

"The additional responsibility will also be part of his own personal development, and we believe he will work well with the coaching staff in leading the squad both on and off the field.

“The squad selected reflects not only an opportunity for a pool of talented players to hone their skills on a higher stage, but also reflects where these Wolves fixtures sit in the overall cricket calendar. Being just ahead of a busy home season, the tour will allow some senior players to get a greater volume of cricket – the likes of Gareth Delany, Shane Getkate, James McCollum and Ben White need more cricket, and this tour will help us fill that need.

“We welcome Murray Commins officially into the set-up after recently qualifying to play for Ireland, and all being well, Matt Ford can translate his outstanding domestic batting performances onto the representative stage.

"Fionn Hand has also shown middle-order power-hitting potential, and Ross Adair - who has retired from rugby to concentrate on his cricket – is not only a powerful batter but he is an outstanding athlete and fielder. His left-arm slow bowling also provides good options for the captain."

IRELAND WOLVES

Neil Rock (captain) (Rush), Ross Adair (CIYMS), Peter Chase (Malahide), Murray Commins (The Hills), Gareth Delany* (Leinster), Stephen Doheny (Merrion), Matt Ford (Malahide), Shane Getkate (Instonians), Fionn Hand (Clontarf), Graham Hume (Waringstown), Graham Kennedy (CIYMS), Jeremy Lawlor (Carrickfergus), Josh Manley (Lisburn), William McClintock** (Donemana), James McCollum (Waringstown), Ben White (CSNI).

* only available for 50-over matches ** only available for T20s

FIXTURES

• 21 March: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 1st T20 (Windhoek; start 2pm local time)
• 23 March: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 2nd T20 (Windhoek; start 2pm local time)
• 24 March: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 3rd T20 (Windhoek; start 2pm local time)
• 29 March: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 1st ODM (Windhoek; start 9.30am local time)
• 30 March: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 2nd ODM (Windhoek; start 9.30am local time)
• 1 April: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 3rd ODM (Windhoek; start 9.30am local time)
• 3 April: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 4th ODM (Windhoek; start 9.30am local time)
• 5 April: Ireland Wolves v Namibia A – 5th ODM (Windhoek; start 9.30am local time)