Ireland pick four uncapped players for New Zealand Test

Ireland have named four uncapped players in their 14-member squad for their maiden Test against New Zealand, starting May 27 in Belfast. Opener Jake Egan and pacers Tom Mayes, Reuben Wilson, and Liam McCarthy have been called up for the four-day Test, Ireland's 14th in the format.

Mayes and McCarthy have played limited-overs internationals for Ireland, while Egan (22) and Wilson (19) are uncapped at international level, having made their first-class debuts earlier this week in the Emerald Challenge.

Andrew Balbirnie will captain the side, with veteran batter Paul Stirling unavailable due to a Grade 2C strain sustained during the Emerald Challenge. Stirling, who led Ireland at the T20 World Cup earlier this year, also had a knee injury during the tournament.

Coach Heinrich Malan confirmed pacer Barry McCarthy is out for the rest of the year with a left ACL injury. Gavin Hoey (left side strain), Josh Little (rib stress fracture), and Jordan Neill (right shoulder muscle tear) are also unavailable. All-rounder Curtis Campher will play only as a batter as he manages his return to bowling.

The Test will be played at Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, Belfast. Ireland last toured Bangladesh for a two-Test series in November 2025, losing both matches.

Ireland squad: Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, Stephen Doheny, Jake Egan, Matthew Humphreys, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Reuben Wilson, Craig Young