Niall O’Brien’s unlucky run with injury has robbed the Northamptonshire player of the chance of putting Pakistan to the sword again the wicket-keeper was ruled out of the upcoming RSA series against the World Cup semi-finalists.
The 29-year-old from Sandymount was the hero of Ireland’s victory over Pakistan at the 2007 World Cup, with his innings of 72 helping secure a momentous three-wicket victory in Kingston.
The left-hander had started the English county season in exceptional fashion, scoring over 700 runs at an average of over 80, including a first one-day century last Friday against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl.
It was early in that innings that he was struck on the left hand by a delivery from former England seamer Simon Jones and an X-ray today confirmed a fracture that is expected to keep him out for three weeks.
Ireland coach Phil Simmons has called up Clontarf batsman Andrew Poynter for the games on Saturday and Monday at Stormont, with Surrey’s Gary Wilson set to take over behind the stumps.
O’Brien missed six weeks last summer after surgery to the same hand and is frustrated that he won’t get the opportunity to transfer his good form onto the international stage.
“It’s annoying to have to miss these games, especially as I’m playing so well and hitting the ball so well,” said O’Brien. “I’ll have another X-ray in 10 days and would hope to be back playing in about three weeks.”
