Ireland Over-40s ready for England finale at Rathmines

Ireland Over-40s will bring the curtain down on a successful season with a mouth-watering clash against England at Leinster Cricket Club, Rathmines, on Thursday.

The 11am start provides a fitting finale to the campaign, with Ireland naming a strong 12-man squad packed with experience, all-round ability and no shortage of batting and bowling options.

Merrion’s John Anderson will captain the side, with the squad containing five players with international experience and plenty of proven performers from across the Irish club game.

Anderson is joined by David Scanlon, Nigel Jones, Kenny Carroll, Ehtesham Ahmed, Bilal Azhar, Stephen Ogilby, Jonny Robinson, Ashley Bain, Mubeen Ali, Yaqoob Ali and Siddharth Joshi, with Ali taking the wicketkeeping gloves.

It is a well-balanced selection capable of adapting to virtually any match situation, with a number of genuine all-rounders giving Ireland considerable depth in both departments.

Anderson’s presence at the helm provides calmness and top-level experience, while the likes of Jones, Scanlon, Azhar and Ogilby add further quality to a side that will relish the opportunity to test itself against the old enemy.

England will provide a formidable examination, but Ireland head into the contest with confidence after a season which has further underlined the strength and competitiveness of the veterans game.

The fixture also offers another opportunity to showcase the high standard of Over-40s cricket, which continues to grow both at home and internationally.

Former Ireland international Alan Lewis is coach, with Greg Molins managing the side and Peter Searson scorer.

With a strong squad, home advantage and a season to finish in style, Ireland will be determined to sign off with one more memorable performance at Rathmines.