The squads for Ireland's upcoming tour of Zimbabwe have been confirmed as the players begin preparations for a tilt at qualification for two World Cups that are taking place in 2023.
Stephen Doheny has been included and looks set to win his first cap, while Tyrone Kane is recalled for the first time since 2019.
Three T20 fixtures will be followed by three one-day internationals, all to be played at the Harare Sports Club. The sides meet at the T20 World Cup this year where Zimbabwe emerged victorious by 31 runs.
Conor Olphert is a notable absentee as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
"With a T20 World Cup Qualifier in July and a possible 50-over Cricket World Cup in October - if we can qualify - the importance of this white-ball series is obvious," said national selector Andrew White.
"The volume of cricket next year demands that we will need a broader pool of 'international-ready’ players to meet the challenges ahead, and the Zimbabwe tour will be the start of that process.
"Paul Stirling will feature in the one-day series against Zimbabwe but has been granted approval to miss the T20I series and play in the new International League T20, while Josh Little has been granted approval to miss the T20I series to play in the SA20.
"This flexibility in selection will allow us to provide a number of fringe players a chance – most notably, Stephen Doheny, who is in line to make his international debut after serving a lengthy apprenticeship, while we welcome back Tyrone Kane to the senior set-up.
"Tyrone has changed the dynamic of what he can bring to the table in recent seasons, and with selection policy seeking to choose players that fit the playing philosophy, his mid to late overs batting clearly fits the bill. Coincidentally, Tyrone’s last match for Ireland was against Zimbabwe, and we wish him well for his return to the national side.
"With Paul and Josh missing the T20I series, this has created space for the return of Ben White and Neil Rock. Ben has benefited from spending time with spin bowling coach Nathan Hauritz in the nets and is continuing to develop his legspin, and Neil will come into the squad in largely a batting capacity.
Ireland Men's T20I squad: Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Tyrone Kane, Barry McCarthy, Neil Rock, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White.
Ireland Men’s ODI squad: Andrew Balbirnie (captain), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Stephen Doheny, Graham Hume, Tyrone Kane, Josh Little, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker.
Fixtures
T20I series:
12 January: Zimbabwe v Ireland, Harare Sports Club, 11am Irish time
14 January: Zimbabwe v Ireland, Harare Sports Club, 11am Irish time
15 January: Zimbabwe v Ireland, Harare Sports Club, 11am Irish time
ODI Series:
18 January: Zimbabwe v Ireland, Harare Sports Club; 7.15am Irish time
20 January: Zimbabwe v Ireland, Harare Sports Club; 7.15am Irish time
23 January: Zimbabwe v Ireland, Harare Sports Club; 7.15am Irish time
