Cricket - Mulder called into Ireland squad for T20 Series

JACOB MULDER has been called into the Ireland squad which will play Hong Kong in two T20 Internationals at Bready next week.

He replaces Barry McCarthy who is required by Warwickshire for their County Championship clash with Yorkshire at Headingley, as these are not ICC mandatory release matches.

The North Down leg-spinner has impressed with the Northern Knights in this season's  Hanley Energy InterProvincial series taking 18 wickets at 23.33.

"I'm obviously delighted to be selected for the Ireland squad for the first time," said Mulder.

"It's something I've been working hard for over the past four years so it's great to get an opportunity like this and hopefully I can make the most of it," added the 21 year-old.

Mulder is one of three players named in an Irish squad for the first time - the Pembroke pair of Josh Little and Lorcan Tucker being the others.

Ireland coach John Bracewell welcomed Mulder's inclusion in the squad which he feels will bring an extra dimension to the attack.

"I've watched Jacob Mulder all season and I think he's been the most effective spinner in the inter-provincial competition," said the Ireland Head Coach.

"Along with Josh Little who is in the squad, left-armers and leg spinners are very effective in this form of the game and it's something we need to develop. We need to have a look at potential leg-spinners especially when we are going to be out in Delhi for a month next year playing in three formats.

"Jacob's inclusion is a two-part story really in that he's earned the right to be included with his performances and also he gives us variety in a style that is successful in world cricket."

Ireland play Hong Kong on Monday September 5th and Tuesday September 6th - both starting at 3.30pm. Ireland Women take on Bangladesh in double headers on the same days - those games get under way also at Bready starting at 10:30am.