PAUL STIRLING (142 T20 caps, 3,589 runs, 20 wickets, 38 catches)
Highly respected captain of Ireland’s white ball team and a powerful force at the top of the order. Now 33, his T20 form has dropped in the last two years and it is now 18 innings since he made a fifty. Hasn’t bowled since December 2021, against the US in Fort Lauderdale.

ANDREW BALBIRNIE (107 caps, 2,370 runs, 39 cts)
Has had a new lease of life since he relinquished the captaincy in this format, his average for the two years prior to stepping down was 20.7, since then it is 28.5 with excellent 70s against India and Pakistan. With Stirling failing to fire Balbirnie’s form will be vital.

LORCAN TUCKER (71 caps, 1,295 runs, 52cts, 5 stumpings)
Wicket-keeper batsman who was selected in the Wisden magazine team of the year 2023. Revolutionised his game since moving up to No.3, and although he had a bad run over the past year – including two ducks in India – is back in top form with a recent run of 51, 73, 40 and 55.

HARRY TECTOR (76 caps, 1,345 runs, 7 wkts, 49 cts)
Sometime world no.3 in the 50-over format, Tector has yet to shine over 20 overs. Made back to bac 50s against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan over the winter, but they were his only such scores in 40 innings since he announced himself with 64no off 33 v India at Malahide two years ago.

CURTIS CAMPHER (53 caps, 826 runs, 29 wkts, 29 cts)
With Ireland 115 away from victory with four men out and ten overs left, defeat to Scotland and elimination from the 2022 World Cup seemed certain. But an unbeaten 72 off 32 balls opened the door to subsequent wins over West Indies and England. Has the knack of taking wickets at vital times too.

GARETH DELANY (72 caps, 1,016 runs, 44 wkts, 25 cts)
Another of the powerful middle order hitters who can serve up some useful overs. Of the certain starters, only Stirling has a higher strike rate than the young Leinster man’s 133.33.  His legbreaks are probably underused but he got his full four overs for the first time this year against Scotland recently, taking 1-18.

GEORGE DOCKRELL (136 caps, 1,085 runs, 83 wkts, 63 cts)
Transformed his career when he decided to augment his serviceable left-arm spin with some aggressive boundary hitting. Plays a key role in the side and has brought Ireland home in some important victories. Stirling calls on his bowling when he wants a couple of quiet overs. Best pair of hands in the team.

MARK ADAIR (83 caps, 661 runs, 119 wkts, 36 cts)
‘Sparky’ is not content with being Ireland’s most prolific wicket-taker with 117, and has moved towards an all-round role, scoring 72 against Scotland and 49no v Netherlands in the past year with a career strike rate better than Tector, Tucker and Balbirnie. Feisty bowler who is at his best in the death role. 

BARRY McCARTHY (53 caps, 280 runs, 51 wkts, 12 cts)
The Pembroke man has had a couple of niggles lately but at his best he is a key attack bowler. Can be a bit expensive but has more than fifty wickets for Ireland and is a whole-hearted fielder. Despite scoring one of the fastest 50 over centuries ever seen, and a T20 fifty against India, his batting is undervalued. 

JOSH LITTLE (66 caps, 95 runs, 78 wkts, 15 cts)
Irish cricket’s global superstar, Little is just back from a sadly underwhelming spell with the Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League. The left-arm pacer only played one game in two months at the IPL but has the mental strength to bounce back hard in this World Cup. Has featured in some epic 10th wicket stands.

BEN WHITE (29 caps, 15 runs, 30 wkts, 4 cts)
The leg-spinner had an unimpressive start to his international career but the coaches persevered and he has definitely seen an uptick in performances. Took 4-20 against Afghanistan in Sharjah in March but has struggled against the best sides, taking 1-113 in ten overs against Pakistan in Clontarf last month.

NEIL ROCK (21 caps, 115 runs, 12 cts, 2 sts)
Back-up keeper to Tucker, Rock is also an alternative middle order bat. Was dismissed early in four of his six innings for Ireland but showed flashes of his club and provincial form against Austria last summer. However a strike rate of 106 per 100 balls is not going to pull up any trees in major cricket.

GRAHAM HUME (6 caps, 33 runs 5 wkts, 0 cts) 
Veteran seamer is fortunate to be on the plane after some limited displays recently. Took 3-17 against Zimbabwe on his T20 debut in January but only 2-142 since. His fielding arguably cost Ireland victory over Pakistan in Clontarf. His visa woes gave the Irish selectors an ‘out’ but they have stood by their man.

CRAIG YOUNG (64 caps, 72 runs, 73 wkts, 11 cts)
Another veteran seamer, the North West Warrior has the knack of picking up wickets and no one can ever fault his commitment. McCarthy will need to keep his performances up in the warm-ups as Young is scrapping with him for the last seamer slot. Took 2-2 in five balls v India last year before the rain arrived.

ROSS ADAIR (8 caps, 150 runs, 1 ct)
Former Ulster rugby pro and brother of Mark, Ross came to the selectors attention when he scored 111 off 49 balls for Northern Knights in a T20 interpro against North-West Warriors. Kicked off his international career in Harare in January with a 47-ball 65 against Zimbabwe. Strike rate of 134 not to be sniffed at.