Ireland Names Uncapped Calitz for Historic T20Is Against England

Ben Calitz, a 23-year-old batter and wicketkeeper born in Vancouver, Canada, has been called up to the Ireland men's cricket squad for the first time for a historic three-match T20I series against England at Malahide. This series marks the first time Ireland hosts England in T20 internationals, with previous meetings including a no-result in 2010 and a narrow Ireland victory at the 2022 T20 World Cup. Calitz, who moved to Ireland in 2022 and has played domestically for Munster Reds and Northern Knights, recently toured with the Ireland Wolves in the UAE, earning his maiden senior international call-up. Ireland will be without key players Mark Adair, Josh Little, and Fionn Hand due to injury and rehabilitation, while Gareth Delany, Curtis Campher, and Craig Young have returned to fitness. England's squad, led by 21-year-old Jacob Bethell making his captaincy debut, will be missing several senior players rested ahead of the Ashes. The series is viewed as an important preparation opportunity for both teams ahead of the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.