Neill hungry to make up for lost time as Ireland target World Cup qualification

Jordan Neill is determined to put an injury-ravaged start to his international career behind him as Ireland begin their preparations for next February’s World Cup qualifiers with a five-match ODI series against Namibia.

The 21-year-old CSNI all-rounder has endured a frustrating 18 months since making his Ireland debut against the West Indies in May 2025, when injury cruelly cut short what should have been a dream occasion. Further setbacks have restricted his opportunities, although he did make his Test debut in Bangladesh last October, featuring in both matches of the series.

The Cape Town-born seamer was particularly disappointed to miss the New Zealand Test in Belfast earlier this summer, but is determined to make up for lost time.

“I was very excited for the New Zealand Test. I really had my hopes up, but then I was hit with injury again and that was tough, especially being a Belfast boy,” admitted Neill. “It would have been nice to play in front of everyone. But I firmly believe everything happens for a reason. I'd rather have that happen earlier in my career than later on, learning to deal with injury and setbacks. It definitely makes you hungrier to come back harder.”

Neill finally made his second ODI appearance, 15 months after his first, following a late call-up for the final Afghanistan encounter. He also gained valuable experience playing seven matches for Amsterdam Flames in the inaugural European T20 Premier League. Now comes another opportunity, with Ireland, ranked 12th in the world, facing 16th-ranked Namibia, who will co-host both the World Cup qualifiers and finals.

“With the World Cup coming up this time next year, and Namibia co-hosting, especially with the need to qualify, it's definitely something we're all pushing towards,” said Neill. “With injuries over the past six months, there have been a few spots up for grabs if guys put their hands up. This tour gives players an opportunity to get settled going into the really important games.”

Neill believes the arrival of Gary Wilson as head coach has brought fresh thinking without disrupting the squad's established relationships. And he insists there will be no treating the Namibians lightly when the series gets underway on Thursday.

“Under Gary, the mentality is very much that we want to win every game of cricket we play. We respect every team, whether it's Namibia, Zimbabwe, India or England. We want to win, and we're going to do everything we can to win.”

For Neill personally, a sustained run of fitness and performances would be a welcome reward after so many false starts.