IRELAND have made three changes to their squad for the ICC Under 19 World Cup tournament which starts in Bangladesh later this month.
Spinning all-rounders Fiachra Tucker and Harry Tector rejoin the 15-man squad having missed out on the Malaysian qualifiers, while Rush opening batsman Stephen Doheny - captain of Ireland's Under 17s - earns a first call-up at this level after an impressive summer.
Tucker and Tector join their elder brothers in the squad, with Lorcan Tucker named as vice-captain, and Jack Tector once again skippering the side. The inclusion of twin brothers Gary and William McClintock mean there's a real family affair look to the line-up.
“We played some excellent cricket at both the European qualifiers in Jersey and the global qualifying event in Malaysia,” said U19 head coach Ryan Eagleson. “Unfortunately we lost out at the final hurdle on both occasions, but we've been handed this lifeline which we intend to make the most of.
"We've strengthened the spin bowling, drafting in Fiachra (Tucker) and Harry Tector, while Stephen Doheny is an accomplished batsman who has scored heavily this season at all levels.
"Our group looks tough with India and New Zealand, while we will have a chance of revenge over Nepal who pipped us in Malaysia.
"We're all extremely grateful to the ICC for the opportunity to play in the World Cup and although we know it will be tough, we're determined to make everyone proud."
The chance to captain Ireland at a World Cup is a dream come true for Irish skipper Jack Tector and he can't wait to lead his country in Bangladesh.
"It is a massive opportunity for the squad to represent Ireland on the world stage. I can't thank the ICC enough for their invitation and Cricket Ireland for acting so fast as a result.
"Fortunately we have been training regularly, and with four days preparation in Dubai before we head on to Bangladesh, I know we will be ready for the India game on the 28th.
"We have experience in sub-continental conditions having been to Sri Lanka and Malaysia over the last 12 months, so hopefully this will stand us in good stead once we get to Bangladesh.
"To captain my country in a World Cup is something I have dreamt about over the last few years and now that it's actually happening is a truly unbelievable feeling."
Ireland are in Group D and will play matches against India (in Mirpur on 28 January), Nepal (in Fatullah on 30 January) and New Zealand (in Fatullah on 1 February).
If Ireland finishes inside the top two in Group D, then it will progress to the Super League, while it will feature in the Plate Championship if it ends up third or fourth in its group.
Squad: Jack Tector (captain) (YMCA), Rory Anders (Phoenix), Andrew Austin (Bready), Varun Chopra (Coleraine), Adam Dennison (Waringstown), Stephen Doheny (Rush), Aaron Gillespie (Strabane), Josh Little (Pembroke), Gary McClintock (Donemana), William McClintock (Donemana), Tom Stanton (Merrion), Harry Tector (YMCA), Fiachra Tucker (Pembroke), Lorcan Tucker (Pembroke), Ben White (Phoenix).
