Ross Adair has been ruled out of Ireland’s T20I series against Zimbabwe through injury in what National Men’s Selector Andrew White has described as an “unfortunate loss”.
Uncapped Tim Tector (21) has been drafted in as opener Adair’s replacement for the series in Harare, with the former travelling after receiving his first international call-up.
Holywood’s Adair, a former Ulster Rugby player, has been forced to withdraw from the three-match series following a calf injury.
The 30-year-old’s previous innings was a 100 off 58 balls against South Africa in Abu Dhabi in September 2024, with Tector – the brother of fellow Ireland internationals Harry and Alice – hoping to shine in Adair’s place.
Former Sullivan Upper pupil Adair’s impressive performances for his home town school saw him come to the attention of Ulster, making one senior appearance for the province in the Pro12 when he scored a try against the Dragons in 2015.
Following spells at Jersey Reds and Ballynahinch, he converted to cricket, making his debut for Northern Knights in 2020 and earning his maiden Ireland call-up in December 2022 for their T20I series against Zimbabwe.
The older brother of fellow Ireland international Mark Adair will not, however, face the same opposition this time around.
“Ross Adair’s injury withdrawal is an unfortunate loss, as he was keen to return to the crease after that memorable T20I century against the South Africans,” said White.
“Coming in for Ross is Tim Tector – a young batter that we’ve been tracking through the system for several years.
“He has been the inter-provincial T20 competition’s leading run-scorer for two years running, not only scoring heavily but also at a strike rate over 150.
“While his selection is a look to the future, if called upon to play we do not doubt that he’s ready to make the step up to this level.”