Has Ben Calitz Made His Mark with a Call-Up to Ireland’s T20I Squad Against England?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, wicketkeeper-batter Ben Calitz has made his debut in Ireland's squad for T20Is against England, set to begin on September 17. This thrilling series promises to showcase emerging talents and strong competition at the Malahide Cricket Ground. Fans are eager to witness Ireland's performance against a formidable England side!
Key Takeaways
- Ben Calitz earns his first call-up to the Ireland T20I squad.
- Matches will take place at Malahide Cricket Ground.
- This series marks the first home T20I against England.
- Key players are recovering from injuries.
- The series is crucial for World Cup preparations.
Dublin, Sep 8 (NationPress) Wicketkeeper-batter Ben Calitz has received his first-ever call-up to the Ireland squad for the T20I matches against England, commencing on September 17. All matches in this three-game series will take place at the Malahide Cricket Ground.
This series marks the inaugural T20I between Ireland and England on home soil. The two teams have faced each other just twice in T20I history – their initial encounter in 2010 ended without a result, while the second meeting occurred during the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Melbourne, where Ireland triumphed by five runs via the DLS method.
Players like Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, and Craig Young are set to participate after successfully completing the Emerald Challenge series. However, Mark Adair, Fionn Hand, and Josh Little are undergoing rehabilitation for their injuries and will not be available.
Calitz, originally from Vancouver, Canada, relocated to Ireland in 2022. He has represented Canada at the Under-19 level and has played club cricket for Holywood CC, Muckamore CC, and currently, Lisburn CC.
In 2024, he played for the Munster Reds in the Inter-Provincial Series, followed by a representation for the Northern Knights in 2025. In April 2025, Calitz was chosen for the Ireland Wolves tour to the UAE.
“Although it's unfortunate that Mark (Adair), Fionn (Hand), and Josh (Little) are unavailable, this series will provide an opportunity for other bowlers to step up and compete for spots in the World Cup. While our top-order batting is solid, we aim to enhance our depth in the middle order,” stated Andrew White, National Men’s Selector.
“As part of this strategy, we are excited to welcome Ben Calitz into the squad for his left-handed batting option and wicketkeeping support. Furthermore, Jordan Neill returns to substitute for Mark Adair, as he did during the West Indies ODI series earlier this summer before an injury cut his debut short,” White added.
The third match scheduled for September 21 is already sold out, with the game on September 19 also nearing full capacity, reflecting the enthusiasm of Irish fans eager to witness their team face a formidable England squad, led by Jacob Bethell.
“Every match against England is significant, but this series holds additional importance as we are less than six months away from the upcoming T20 World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka. These encounters against England provide us with a chance to measure ourselves against one of the world’s elite teams as we prepare for that tournament,” added White.
“Currently, we are poised to play as many T20I matches in the next five months as we have in this cycle thus far, but we will transition to venues in Asia and the Middle East to better acclimate the squad for conditions they are likely to encounter in the subcontinent,” concluded White.
Ireland squad: Paul Stirling (captain), Ross Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Barry McCarthy, Jordan Neill, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, and Craig Young
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of Ben Calitz's call-up to the Irish squad. This opportunity reflects Ireland's commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing their competitiveness on the international stage. The upcoming matches against England will serve not only as a platform for emerging players but also as a vital preparation phase for the T20 World Cup. We stand with Ireland, anticipating a thrilling series that showcases the team's growth and resilience.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the T20I series against England start?
The T20I series against England begins on September 17.
Where will the matches be held?
All matches will take place at the Malahide Cricket Ground in Dublin.
Who is Ben Calitz?
Ben Calitz is a wicketkeeper-batter who has recently received his first call-up to the Ireland T20I squad.
Has Ireland played T20Is against England before?
Yes, Ireland and England have faced each other in T20Is twice before, with their last encounter during the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
What is the significance of this series?
This series is crucial for both teams as Ireland prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup, providing an opportunity to test their squad against a strong opponent.
