Ireland in T20 blow with key bowler ruled out of West Indies tests

By: Richard Forrester

June 11, 2025

Ireland have suffered a T20 blow with key bowler Josh Little ruled out of this week’s contests against West Indies.

The first of three matches gets underway on Thursday before a double-header across the weekend in County Tyrone.

Graham Hume comes in to replace Little, who recently featured in the drawn ODI series between the sides in May.

According to captain Paul Stirling, Little has headed back to England after picking up an injury in training.

He said: “Josh had a niggle yesterday at training and pulled up. So unfortunately, he’s missing out.

“He’s going back to England now to prepare over there, to try and get himself right. Graham Hume comes in for him.

“So unfortunately, that’s one more change that seems to be the order of the day recently. Again, with all these things, as with the ODIs, it brings opportunities for players who maybe didn’t expect to be around.”

Ireland T20 injury woes continue

Ireland are already without Curtis Campher, Craig Young and Gareth Delany for the upcoming games.

Campher continues to recover from a fractured finger picked up while batting in the nets just before the ODIs.

Young is recovering from a hamstring issue while Delany sustained an injury during a club game at the beginning of last week.

Replacing the trio include Tim Tector, Stephen Doheny and spin bowler Gavin Hoey.

Speaking on the challenges the squad have faced regarding the current injury issues, national men’s selector Andrew White said: “Both the recent ODI series, and this month’s T20I series, against West Indies have really tested the strength of depth in our talent pool.

“While we never like to see a player injured, such circumstances do offer an opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate their talent.

“With the next men’s T20 World Cup approaching in February 2026, this series is an important part of preparing the squad for the challenge and will serve as a good barometer of where we are at.”

Ross Adair looking to make up for lost time

Ross Adair is ready to make up for lost time after a calf injury ruled him out of February’s T20 series against Zimbabwe.

That means the last time he featured for Ireland came against South Africa back in September. Adair was in fine form, hitting an impressive 100 off 58 balls.

“It’s been a while now since the South Africa series and I’m very much looking forward to playing again,” Adair said.

“Preparations have been good, with lots of drills and playing as much club cricket as I can, but nothing beats getting out there and playing for Ireland.

“Every time I pull on the shirt it gives me immense pride.

“Scoring that hundred against South Africa has given me real confidence and self-belief that I’m capable of doing it at this level, where I maybe lacked in that area of my mental game before.”