Ireland cricket coach Graham Forde says the selector’s committee will decide if William Porterfield will retain the team captaincy, but remains the best option as far has he is concerned.
Ireland will gear up for a crack at England next month followed by a Tri-Series tournament involving Bangladesh and the West Indies, but question marks remain whether the long-serving Porterfield will remain as team captain.
The 34-year-old took over from Trent Johnson as captain in 2008, but struggled last month in Dehradun as a collective first-innings batting horror show helped Afghanistan complete a seven-wicket Test victory.
Speaking at an event to announce the continued sponsorship of Turkish Airlines , Forde spoke of Porterfield’s "outstanding" ability and role within the camp.
"He’ll be the first to admit he didn’t perform and he’ll be working flat out to try and put that right," he told RTÉ Sport.
"I have to say he brings a whole lot more to the set-up than just the runs that he scores."
Forde continued: "While we are going through this process of trying to develop some younger match winners, he’s crucial to all of that because he has been a match-winner for a long, long time."
Porterfield has overcome knee issues and Forde says his presence as a leader is vital for the group.
"He sets such high standards for the groups. I have worked with a lot of wonderful, wonderful captains and it’s hard to find someone better than him," said Forde.
"We have got to get as much out of him as we can. He has a hell of a lot to offer. It’s one of those things.
Pressed on whether he will remain as captain, Forde admitted it will be a group decision.
"A lot of the guys we talk about are talented, but they are not scoring the runs he scored.
"There is a selection meeting coming up to discuss the last tour. I can’t confirm either way, but for my money, he’s got so much to offer.
"If there was somebody you could tell me is smashing the door down to take his place and we have got a load of young players smashing out runs, then it’s a consideration.
"If I look at last year’s interpro, he was the leading run scorer. A lot of the guys we talk about are talented, but they are not scoring the runs he scored. For now, it’s definitely not a consideration in my mind. Selectors will have to get together and talk about it."
Ahead of the Tri-Series, Ireland welcome England to Malahide and Forde says there couldn’t be a greater challenge in cricket at present than attempting to topple Trevor Bayliss’ side.
"It’s a very tough summer. We play against England, who for my money are the best one-day side in world cricket. They have so much batting depth and bowling options, that will be a huge challenge, but it’s exactly what I want, what the players want."
