Is Saqib Mahmood Out of the Ireland T20Is? Currie Steps In!

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Saqib Mahmood is out due to a knee injury.
- Scott Currie has been named as his replacement.
- England will play Ireland in three T20Is.
- Matches are scheduled at Malahide.
- Jacob Bethell will lead the team.
London, Sep 14 (NationPress) England fast bowler Saqib Mahmood has been ruled out due to a knee injury, missing both the upcoming T20I series against Ireland next week and the white-ball tour to New Zealand in October. His place in the Ireland squad has been filled by Scott Currie, a fast bowler from Hampshire and Scotland.
Mahmood participated in the second ODI against South Africa at Lord’s earlier this month but ended up wicketless in England’s close five-run loss. He did not take part in the first two T20Is of the ongoing series. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced that the pace bowler will undergo minor surgery on his knee to address the issue. This is yet another frustrating setback for Mahmood, who had previously been out for nearly two years due to back stress fractures, although he had shown promising form upon his return.
In the last year, Mahmood showcased his skills by taking nine wickets at an impressive average of 10.55 during England’s T20I series in the Caribbean and played a vital role in the 3-0 ODI series victory against the same opponents in June. Recently, he contributed to the Oval Invincibles winning their third consecutive Hundred title, claiming the final wicket in the decisive match against the Trent Rockets.
Currie, at just 24 years of age, is selected less than a day after his appearance at T20 Finals Day for Hampshire. He took two wickets each in the semifinal victory over Northamptonshire and the final loss to Somerset, although a dropped catch that reprieved Sean Dickson proved to be costly in the latter match.
Currie has also played three ODIs for Scotland in the World Cricket League Division 2 in Dubai, but with Scotland failing to qualify for this year’s T20 World Cup, this opportunity with England has emerged.
England will take on Ireland in three T20Is at Malahide on September 17, 19, and 21, with the squad being captained for the first time by Jacob Bethell, as several senior multi-format players are preparing for the Ashes.