Connell returns to Ireland squad for South Africa A games

Peter Connell has been recalled to the Ireland senior squad for the three one-day games against South Africa A which get under way at Strabane on Sunday.

The CIYMS opening bowler who turned 31 this week hasn't featured in the senior ranks since playing against Australia in June 2010. To date he has won 56 caps taking 104 wickets at 20.35, with best bowling figures of 6 for 28 against The Netherlands in 2008. He is also one of only three bowlers to have taken a hat-trick for Ireland.

Nigel Jones also returns to international action - his last game came in the successful ICC World Twenty20 campaign in Dubai.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons said of the squad composition: "Peter Connell deserves another chance after impressing everyone during the
North versus South game at the weekend. He is a proven wicket taker at international level with Ireland and when he gets it right he can be a handful for any opposition.

"Nigel Jones has been recovering from a knee injury recently so it's good to have him back. He's become something of a limited overs specialist and he's never let the side down when called upon.

"This series has given our players great exposure against some fantastic cricketers, which will stand them in great stead for future challenges."

The squad in full is as follows:

Kevin O'Brien (captain), (Railway Union), John Anderson (Merrion), Andrew Balbirnie (Pembroke/Middlesex), Peter Connell (CIYMS), Trent Johnston (YMCA), Nigel Jones (CSN), Rory McCann (wkt) (Instonians), Andrew Poynter (Clontarf), James Shannon (Instonians), Max Sorensen (The Hills), Stuart Thompson (Limavady), Albert van der Merwe (YMCA), Andrew White (Instonians).

The fixtures are as follows:

• Ireland v South Africa A - Sunday August 19, Strabane (10:45am)
• Ireland v South Africa A - Tuesday August 21, Stormont (10:45am)
• Ireland v South Africa A - Thursday August 23, Stormont (10:45am)

Admission is free to all games.