Ireland has announced a 12-player squad for Ireland Academy’s three-day match against England Under-19s to be played in Loughborough from 16-18 August.

This is the second of three such red-ball tours planned this summer and forms part of Ireland’s preparations for its return Test cricket after more than three years in self-imposed exile.

“This will be the second time the Academy have played England U19’s at Loughborough in recent times," said Pete Johnston. 

James McCollum will captain Ireland Academy. Pic: Sportsfile

"Loughborough is a world-class facility and an excellent cricket environment, so I am very confident that the squad will benefit greatly from the experience – not to mention the broader benefits of getting to train, recover and play in the context of red ball multi-day cricket against strong opposition.

“The squad is again well-balanced giving opportunity to five players that featured in the Under-19 World Cup back in January, while the tour will act as an opportunity to provide a few more-experienced players - like James McCollum, Neil Rock and David Delany – some valuable game time given they have not been part of recent international squads.

The squad is: James McCollum (Waringstown) (captain), Cade Carmichael (Instonians), David Delany (Clontarf), Matthew Foster (CSNI), Alistair Frost (Malahide), Mike Frost (Malahide), Matthew Humphreys (Lisburn), Phillippe le Roux (Railway Union), Scott Macbeth (St Johnston), Neil Rock (Rush), Muzamil Sherzad (North Kildare), Tim Tector (YMCA). Head coach: Pete Johnston Assistant coach: Albert van der Merwe.