Dockrell recalled for Intercontinental Cup and South Africa tour

The left-arm spinner George Dockrell has been recalled to Ireland's squads for the tour of South Africa and the ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Hong Kong.

For the four-day match, Dockrell replaces Stuart Poynter while for the ODIs against South Africa and Australia in Benoni he is added to the squad that was on duty for the Pakistan series in Dublin. Ireland were humbled by 255 runs in the first ODI, being bowled out for 82, while the second was washed out.

"While this week's performance was disappointing, we feel this group of players deserve another opportunity," Alan Lewis, the head of selectors, said. "These games will certain provide us with a stern challenge but I'm certain the squad will respond positively."

In the Intercontinental Cup, Ireland currently sit second in the table, one point behind Afghanistan, while Hong Kong sit in fourth. The two sides meet in Belfast from August 30.

Dockrell, who was released by Somerset at the end of 2015 English season, has been in and out of Ireland's squads this year but has been brought back with an eye on taking advantage of wearing wickets towards the end of the summer.

"We've opted for an extra spinner in George who has produced some of his best cricket over the past six years in this competition," Lewis said. "Also we felt that the pitches in late August/early September are likely to offer assistance to the slow bowlers as the game progresses.

"With the InterContinental Cup game against Hong Kong it gave the selectors an opportunity to continue to focus on the formula that has brought success so far in the competition

"It's a format which we have excelled in over the years, winning it four times. We've named what we feel is a well-balanced squad which will give William Porterfield plenty of options as we seek out another victory."

Boyd Rankin had previously been ruled out of both squads after suffering a stress fracture.