Ireland lose Paul Stirling for Namibia ODI series remainder after finger fracture

Ireland captain Paul Stirling will miss the remainder of the ODI series against Namibia after breaking the ring finger on his left hand while fielding in the previous match. Namibia won that match by 63 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the 5-match series.

The injury occurred in the 15th over of the third ODI, when Stirling was fielding at short cover. He dived forward while trying to take a low catch off a cut shot by Namibia batter Jan Frylinck, and the ball struck his fingertip. A hospital assessment later that evening confirmed the extent of the injury.

The 35-year-old is to return home for recovery and rehabilitation, leaving Ireland without him for the final 2 matches. Lorcan Tucker will captain Ireland in the final two fixtures, while Tim Tector has been named as Stirling’s replacement for the rest of the tour. Tector has yet to make his ODI debut but has played eight T20 Internationals for Ireland.