ZIM vs IRE: Andy Balbirnie, Ireland's captain, has been ruled out of the Odi Series against Zimbabwe due to concussion; Paul Stirling will take his place.
Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie has been ruled out of the final two one-day internationals (ODIs) against Zimbabwe after collapsing in the series opener
Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie has been ruled out of the final two one-day internationals (ODIs) against Zimbabwe after collapsing in the series opener, which they lost by three wickets in a rain-soaked game in Harare.Uncapped Murray Commins has been named as Balbirnie's replacement, with Paul Stirling serving as the stand-in captain.
In his 200th international game, skipper Balbirnie scored his eighth ODI century, an unbeaten 121 runs off 137 balls with 13 fours and three sixes.
The full toss was deflected into his helmet's grill and promptly fell to the ground.After extensive treatment from physio Mark Rausa, he was forced to leave the field.With assistance, he was able to walk off the field.
Balbirnie was said to be fine that night, but an examination the next morning revealed that he was still suffering from mild concussion symptoms.
On Wednesday, Paul Stirling took over as captain and will lead the team in the remaining games.
Gareth Delaney will take Balbirnie's place in the starting lineup."Andrew Balbirnie sustained a suspected mild concussive episode after being struck on the helmet while batting in yesterday's match against Zimbabwe," said Mark Rausa, Cricket Ireland's head of physiotherapy and medical services.