Heinrich Malan has explained the reason for Tim Tector’s surprise omission from the Ireland squad for the three-match T20 series against England that gets underway at Malahide tomorrow.

Malan’s thinking is that the younger Tector is a top three player and with Ross Adair fit again he drops out of the 14-strong squad, and that new face Ben Calitz has a dual role as a power hitter in the middle order and as reserve keeper.

“We’re comfortable where Timmy sits as the back-up batting option across the top three,” Malan said.

“When we go to the World Cup next year we’ve got to ensure we’ve got batters in the middle and potentially as wicketkeeper cover and Ben comes into the mix from that perspective.

“It’s an opportunity for Ben as a lefthander against potentially a lot of spin bowling in that middle period. He’s got a good power game and hopefully he can contribute with a high strike rate.”

Ireland have only faced England twice in T20 internationals: the first rained off, and the second a World Cup win in Melbourne in 2022, in another weather-affected game.

But Fionn Hand, who famously bowled Ben Stokes that evening, and star pacemen Josh Little and Mark Adair will all miss this week’s series, leaving Barry McCarthy and veteran Craig Young to lead the attack.

Meanwhile Orla Prendergast has been voted ICC Woman Cricketer of the Month for August, becoming the fifth Ireland female to receive the global award following Eimear Richardson, Laura Delany, Arlene Kelly and Amy Hunter.

Harry Tector won the men’s award in in May 2023.

The 23-year-old Pembroke all-rounder was recognised for her 144 runs and four wickets in the 2-1 series victory over Pakistan, plus her contributions to the Girls in Green winning every match of the European T20 World Cup qualifiers.

“The T20 series win against Pakistan was the highlight of the summer and I’m delighted to have received this award,” Prendergast said.

“Personally, it further validates the decision I made five years ago to pursue cricket as a career. 

“When I was growing up, that wasn’t an option. But today, young girls are able to see women’s cricket on TV or online. Visibility is so important in growing interest and participation, and awards like this help to reinforce that growing status of the women's game globally.”