Ireland Call for McCarthy for Sri Lanka ODIs

Dublin: Durham seam bowler Barry McCarthy's fine start to the season has earned him an Ireland call-up for the one-day international series against Sri Lanka.

The 23-year-old, who took his maiden first-class five-wicket haul in May, is the one uncapped player in the squad for the games on 16 and 18 June.

"It's been brilliant to play first-team cricket at Durham and to achieve success," said Dubliner McCarthy.

Both matches against Sri Lanka will be staged at Malahide.

John Bracewell, Ireland's head coach, said: "Barry has been in tremendous form with Durham and deserves his opportunity,"

Craig Young (elbow) and Andrew Balbirnie (hip) were not available because of injury.

Meanwhile, Andrew Poynter has announced his retirement from Ireland and inter-provincial duty because of business and family commitments.

Clontarf batsman Poynter, 29, made his Ireland debut against Bangladesh A in 2008 and made 69 appearances for his country.

Ireland squad:

• William Porterfield (Warwickshire, capt)
• George Dockrell (Leinster Lightning)
• Ed Joyce (Sussex)
• Tim Murtagh (Middlesex)
• Andrew McBrine (North-West Warriors)
• Barry McCarthy (Durham/Leinster Lightning)
• Kevin O'Brien (Leinster Lightning/Leicestershire)
• Niall O'Brien (Leicestershire, wicketkeeper)
• Stuart Poynter (Durham)
• Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire)
• Paul Stirling (Middlesex)
• Stuart Thompson (North-West Warriors)
• Gary Wilson (Surrey)