Jonathan Trott has been hired on a 14-day consultancy contract to help Ireland prepare for next month’s five-match one-day international series against Afghanistan that will be played in Co Tyrone and Belfast.

The 45-year-old former England batter only left his role as head coach of Afghanistan in February, after three-and-a-half years in the job, and his insights and experience could prove invaluable to new Ireland coach Gary Wilson.

“The Afghanistan series is critical to our preparations for the World Cup Qualifier in early 2027,” Graeme West, the Cricket Ireland High Performance Director, said.

“This is a rare opportunity to bring a world-class coach into the senior team environment offering a wealth of current knowledge on the opposition.

“Once he enters the training camp next week Jonathan will be able to share his wide range of leadership experiences with the coaching staff, and provide our players with a new perspective — expanding their skills, knowledge and understanding of 50-over cricket.”

Meanwhile, Lauren Rowles, who has been appointed National Women’s Selector, will be in attendance at Bready in Co Tyrone today as the Girls in Green look for a consolation win in their third and final ODI against the West Indies.