No injury concerns for Irish

The 14 players selected all featured in the World Cup squad, with only the retired Andre Botha missing from the 15 who travelled to the sub-continent earlier this year for a successful campaign which included a famous win over England.

Albert van der Merwe returns to the group following his elbow injury, while Trent Johnston (knee) and Alex Cusack (back) have shaken off injury concerns.

"Everyone wants to play in this game and it's great that I have a fully-fit squad to choose from," stated Ireland coach Phil Simmons.

Great occasion

"We're aware that this is the biggest game in our calendar this summer, and it's sure to be a great occasion with a full house at Clontarf.

"It's going to be an historic game with England playing in Dublin for the first time, and we're hopeful that the team will give the fans plenty to cheer about on the day."
Phil Simmons Quotes of the week

"It's going to be an historic game with England playing in Dublin for the first time, and we're hopeful that the team will give the fans plenty to cheer about on the day.

"I'm sure England will be coming with revenge very much in their minds following the World Cup. The days of teams coming over to Ireland and taking us lightly have long gone - we've earned their respect with our performances over the past decade, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"This is the game everyone in Irish cricket has been talking about, and really looking forward to," added Captain William Porterfield.

"It's been a sell-out for five months, and there's sure to be an incredible atmosphere at the ground. We've long shaken off the enthusiastic amateur tag - there's now eight of us plying our trade in county cricket, and turning in consistent performances."

Element of surprise

"We're all aware we've lost the element of surprise, and also that there's now a real expectation from the cricketing public on us to perform," he continued.

"We're confident that we have the players in this squad to do just that, although we do realise that it won't be easy against an England team showing such great form against India at the minute."

Ireland squad: William Porterfield (Warwickshire, captain), Alex Cusack (Clontarf), George Dockrell (Somerset), Trent Johnston (Railway Union), Nigel Jones (Civil Service North), Ed Joyce (Sussex), John Mooney (North County), Kevin O'Brien (Gloucestershire), Niall O'Brien (Northants), Boyd Rankin (Warwickshire), Paul Stirling (Middlesex), Albert Van der Merwe (YMCA), Andrew White (Instonians), Gary Wilson (Surrey)