Theo van Woerkom, the New Zealand-born CIYMS bowling all-rounder has been called into the Ireland squad for next week’s T20 qualifiers as a replacement for the injured Gareth Delany.
A scan on his return home from the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe revealed that Delany broke his wrist during Ireland’ final game against Nepal last week, but instead of returning to Matthew Humphreys, who made his debut in all three-formats on the tour of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka this year, the selectors have called up van Woerkom for the first time.
The 29 year-old slow left armer, whose grandfather on his mother’s side is Irish, is in the Northern Knights squad at this weekend’s T20 festival in Bready and has taken 21 wickets for CI this season.
“I’m loving my time at CIYMS, a great bunch of guys and hopefully we can finish the season strong although it’s bitter sweet that I will now miss the T20 final next Sunday,” said van Woerkom yesterday, who was only told of his call-up on Thursday.
“It’s been a busy 24 hours but I’m excited to get to Scotland and meet the guys. Bowling is massive part of my game, my strongest skills and batting in the middle-lower order you have to adapt, especially in T20.”
Meanwhile, the weather forecast was correct and only an hour play’s was possible on the first day of the T20 inter-provincial festival in Bready before rain washed out the rest of the day’s scheduled action.
Hosts North West Warriors were in a good position, having reduced Munster Reds to 88 for seven after 16 overs, with Murray Commins the only batsman to reach double figures.
Trent McKeegan took three of the wickets, including Commins, caught on the boundary, Curtis Campher, bowled attempting a scoop shot for five. Andy McBrine. captaining Warriors for the first time this season, dismissed opposite number PJ Moor and Craig Young trapped former international team-mate Tyrone Kane leg before.
Carson McCullough, the young CIYMS bowler, made his debut and is set to play again on Saturday against his NCU colleagues when the Reds take on the Knights in the first match.
Graham Hume will join Young in the Warriors attack for the afternoon game against Lightning, who because of club commitments and Cricket Ireland directives are down to 11 players for the game with Lorcan Tucker and David Delany ruled out and Harry Tector serving the second game of a two-match suspension.
Yesterday’s scores: Munster Reds 88-7 (16 overs, M Commins 35; T McKeegan 3-13, J Wilson 1-5, C Robertson 1-13, C Young 1-20, A McBrine 1-21) v North West Warriors. Abandoned
Northern Knights v Leinster Lightning. No play.