Friday, December 13, 2024

Ireland v Pakistan T20: George Dockrell says series ideal World Cup preparation

Must read

Ireland all-rounder George Dockrell says the three-match home series against Pakistan will be ideal preparation for their T20 World Cup challenge which begins in New York against India on 5 June.

Irish conditions may not be quite the same as in the Big Apple or Florida where Ireland’s four opening World Cup group games will be played.

But the Dublin weather looks set to behave at least for Friday’s opener although showers are forecast for the matches on Sunday and Tuesday.

“It’s some great cricket to kick off our summer and especially playing at home is fantastic,” said Dockrell, 31, who broke into the Ireland set-up as a spinner in 2010 but has also since developed into a highly effective middle-order batter.

Following the three Pakistan contests at Clontarf, Ireland will be involved in a further four-game T20 tournament in the Netherlands against the hosts and Scotland before they travel to USA.

“We’ve got a fantastic schedule building into the World Cup and really looking forward to the next month and a bit.”

The Pakistan games will offer both sides the opportunity to size each other up for their concluding World Cup group game in Florida on 16 June.

Ireland are also set to play Canada and USA after their opener against India.

Latest article