Paul Stirling ruled out of Namibia ODIs with broken finger

Paul Stirling, the Ireland captain, has been ruled out of the remainder of the ODI series against Namibia after breaking the ring finger on his left hand while fielding. He misses the fourth and fifth ODIs, with Namibia leading the five-match series 2-1.

Stirling is returning home for recovery and rehabilitation, and Tim Tector has joined the squad for the last two matches, the ICC reports.

How the injury happened

Stirling was hurt in the 15th over of the third ODI. Stationed at short cover, he dived to catch a cut shot from Namibia batter Jan Frylinck and damaged the finger in the attempt.

Namibia went on to win that match by 63 runs. They made 316/7 in 50 overs and Ireland were bowled out for 253 in 44.5 overs.

Replacement and matches missed

Tector joins the squad for the final two ODIs, so Stirling’s absence covers both remaining games. The fourth ODI is on Friday, 30 October at 1:30 PM IST in Windhoek, and the fifth follows on Sunday, 1 November, also at 1:30 PM IST.

State of the series

Ireland won the opening match of the Ireland tour of Namibia by 55 runs on 22 October, after making 229/9 and dismissing Namibia for 174. Namibia then took the second ODI on 24 October by 31 runs, scoring 321/6 against Ireland’s 290, and the third on 27 October by 63 runs.

Ireland must now win both remaining matches without their captain to take the series.