BELFAST – Ireland will be without mainstay Alex Cusack against Australia at Stormont after the veteran announced his retirement from international cricket.
Australia-born Cusack will be a notable absentee from the team, which takes the field against the World Cup holders in the Hanley Energy Challenge one-day international on August 27.
Ireland have nonetheless selected an experienced squad of 13 to face Australia.
Bowling all-rounder Cusack, 34, has taken 98 wickets in his 96 limited-overs appearances for Ireland, and also scored almost 1000 runs across the two formats.
He explained injuries and family commitments convinced him the time was right for his retirement.
“I have been thinking about it seriously for a year, especially with the bad run of injuries I have suffered in recent times,” he told the Irish Times. Those injuries have taken a considerable toll on my body, and that’s the main reason why I’m calling it a day now.
“I’m also the father of three young children, and I feel I need to be around more for them.”
Under William Porterfield’s captaincy, Ireland have retained nine of those who represented them the last time they took on Australia three years ago. Coach John Bracewell said: “It doesn’t get much bigger than a match against the Aussies, and I know the boys are all raring to go.
“They’ve named a quality side — and with a new captain taking over the reins, it’s going to be extremely difficult, particularly with players looking to book their spot in the starting line-up for their series against England.”
