Tom Mayes is one of three Ireland players hoping for a debut in their ODI series against the West Indies that gets underway in Clontarf on Wednesday.

The Waringstown all-rounder has been in scintillating form this season for his club and the Northern Knights, following some success for the Wolves in the UAE.

“The Ireland Wolves set-up is a great place to start to understand what is needed for the step up to international cricket, and ultimately where you need to get to in order to play at the top level. 

"That recent tour gave me a great deal of confidence to know that I can hold my own at that level. Throughout the series, I learned a lot about my own game, in terms of what I'm capable of – but, more importantly, I learned a lot more of what areas that I need to work on and where I need to be to really progress, and hopefully be successful, should I play at the top level.

The South African qualified for an Irish passport through his paternal grandmother, who came from Dublin. He admits it would be a dream come true if he gets capped this week.

“It felt incredible to receive the call from Andrew White," said Mayes. "I was at home resting on the couch after a club T20 match when he rang – it was the type of call that every aspiring international cricketer dreams of getting. 

"If I’m fortunate enough to make my debut, it would not only be my proudest moment in life so far, but also a very proud moment for my family and friends, as well as all those coaches and teammates of the past who have all played an unbelievably important role in getting me to this position.

“I’ve worked with so many great coaches over the years, too many to name just now, but each one of them has played a big role I'm getting me to where I am today. I'll always be forever grateful to the time and effort they put into my game. Growing up, though, my old man played a massive role in getting me into cricket. We would be out in the back garden any chance I could get, playing and learning and enjoying the game. I’ve loved cricket from a very young age.”

FIXTURES
Ireland v West Indies ODI series
21 May: Ireland v West Indies(1st ODI; Clontarf; start 10.45am)
23 May: Ireland v West Indies (2nd ODI; Clontarf; start 10.45am)
25 May: Ireland v West Indies (3rd ODI; Clontarf; start 10.45am)