Former Glos player passed fit for England v Ireland clash in Bristol
19 April 2017
Former Gloucestershire player Kevin O'Brien will be fit for Ireland's first-ever one-day international against England on English soil on Friday 5 May.
England v Ireland, Royal London One-Day International, The Brightside Ground Bristol, Friday 5 May - Click here to book tickets
O'Brien has recovered from a hamstring injury which saw him miss three of the five ODIs against Afghanistan in March.
Irish and England supporters will remember when O'Brien famously scored the fastest century in World Cup history as Ireland secured a three-wicket win over England in 2011.
Former Gloucestershire Head Coach and now Irish Head Coach, John Bracewell expressed his excitement for the two Internationals ahead. He said, "The opportunity to play England in England is not only historic, but a great tribute to Irish cricket and its journey."
"It'll be another great challenge for our players, but one everyone associated with Irish cricket can't wait for," he added.
The Ireland Captain and ex Gloucestershire player William Porterfield shared his excitement on the Irish support at both venues for the Internationals, he said "I've no doubt we will have a massive support at both venues given both the number of Irish around Bristol and in London, never mind the amount of people travelling over."
"There's no doubt that the games against England will be tough but we've got some hard cricket under our belts this past few months and that will stand us in good stead for the challenges that await.
"We're all determined to do well, and while we'll certainly respect England, there's absolutely no fear factor there.
Ireland have now announced their 14 man squad for the International in May, Head Coach John Bracewell said, "The 14 selected give us the best balance available to take on England in early May. The conditions will be as different as they could be from those we experienced against Afghanistan in India - as will the composition of the two bowling attacks, with pace being key.
Ireland squad for England ODI series:
William Porterfield (Warwickshire)
Andrew Balbirnie (Leinster Lightning)
Peter Chase (Leinster Lightning)
George Dockrell (Leinster Lightning)
Ed Joyce (Sussex/Leinster Lightning)
Tim Murtagh (Middlesex)
Andrew McBrine (NW Warriors)
Barry McCarthy (Leinster Lightning)
Kevin O'Brien (Leinster Lightning)
Niall O'Brien (NW Warriors)
Paul Stirling (Middlesex)
Stuart Thompson (NW Warriors)
Gary Wilson (Northern Knights)
Craig Young (NW Warriors)
Previous international matches at The Brightside Ground have sold out, so we are advising supporters to book early to avoid disappointment. Book tickets here
