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James Shannon returns home, as Simi Singh flies in as Ireland Wolves replacement

Mar 3, 2020 | Uncategorised

James Shannon returns home, as Simi Singh flies in as Ireland Wolves replacement

Cricket Ireland

Cricket Ireland has confirmed that James Shannon will return home to Dublin after succumbing to a shoulder injury, with Simi Singh – currently training in India – joining the Ireland Wolves squad as a replacement for the final three 50-over matches of the Ireland Wolves tour of Sri Lanka.

Pete Johnston, Head Coach of Ireland Wolves, said:

“James flagged some soreness in his right shoulder at the beginning of the tour, but with careful monitoring and rehabilitation work by our medical staff here in Sri Lanka, we hoped he could complete the tour and return to throwing 100% pain-free. After this last game, it has now become clear that James’ shoulder is still hampering him and playing in these games is slowing down his recovery from the injury. With the Oman Quadrangular series and Afghanistan series in India on the horizon, we felt it best for him to return home and focus on his rehabilitation immediately so that he can be fit and available for consideration in selection.”

“With three white-ball games remaining on the tour, the selectors considered a number of options to replace Shannon, but decided it would be a great opportunity to bring Simi Singh over from India as there would be limited time difference and short travel distance. Simi was part of the batting camp in Bangalore in December, and has spent much of the last two months working on his bowling by adding leg spin to his armoury in addition to his off spin. We are certainly keen to see his progress on this front in a match situation, and while the circumstances of his arrival are unfortunate, the opportunity is a good one for all.”

The 31-year old Singh, who plays for Leinster Lightning in the Inter-Provincial Series and YMCA Cricket Club at club level, has played 22 times for the senior men’s side and turned out for the Ireland Wolves in 12 occasions – hitting a memorable 67* off 41 deliveries in his last match against Bangladesh A in August 2018.