Andrew Poynter to lead Ireland against Sri Lanka A

Batsman Andrew Poynter will captain Ireland for the first time, in the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka A which begins in Belfast next week.

Andrew Poynter, who captained Ireland A to a 10-wicket win against the MCC last week, will lead a 14-man squad which includes four uncapped players in seamer Peter Chase, allrounder Barry McCarthy and batsmen Nick Larkin and Chris Dougherty.

Thirty-four-year-old allrounder Andrew White, who last made an international appearance in the Intercontinental Cup in December, has also been picked, and is one game away from becoming Ireland's most capped player, ahead of Kyle McCallan.

Andrew Poynter's brother Stuart will keep wicket for the team, but fast bowler Graeme McCarter will be available only for the first game before returning to his county Gloucestershire.

"The selectors have taken the opportunity to get a look at some new faces against quality opposition," Ireland coach Phil Simmons said. "It's a great chance for these guys to show their abilities against a very strong Sri Lanka A side.

"There are obviously World Cup places up for grabs, so it's an important series for the players to state their case and grab their chance. They've all been performing well with their clubs, but need to show us they can do it at the higher level."

Ireland take on Sri Lanka in Stormont on July 23 and July 25, before finishing the three-match one-day series in Coleraine on July 27.

Squad: Andrew Poynter (capt), John Anderson, Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, Chris Dougherty, Nick Larkin, Andrew McBrine, Graeme McCarter, Barry McCarthy, Stuart Poynter, Eddie Richardson, Stuart Thompson, Andrew White, Craig Young