Leinster Lightning Squad for Smartwater Summer Smash confirmed

The Leinster Lightning has today announced a 13-man squad for the marquee fixture of the Cricket Leinster Centenary Year, the Smartwater Summer Smash vs Middlesex on Friday June 21st in Pembroke Cricket Club.

The squad will be captained by George Dockrell and has one major call-up, with the exciting Matt Ford of Malahide named in a Leinster Lightning Squad for the first time. Ford, the son of Ireland Head Coach, Graeme Ford, has been in a tremendous vein of form since starting in Irish club cricket in 2018 and has made over 1,300 runs for the club at a batting average over 75.

There are now in excess of 1,000 tickets already bought in advance for what is going to be a record crowd and a memorable occasion for all involved as Leinster Lightning face up to the might of Middlesex for the first time in history.

The Middlesex Director of Cricket, Angus Fraser has made a clear statement of intent by bringing a full-strength squad to Dublin for the Smartwater Summer Smash and it is clear the English county are expecting a stiff test from the Lightning on home soil in Dublin at the very ground where they won the 2018 Inter-Provincial T20 Cup in Pembroke CC.

The outgoing Leinster Lightning Head Coach, Albert van der Merwe is honoured to have his final weekend in the role coincide with the visit of Middlesex;

“It’s been a real honour to coach this fantastic group of players and I couldn’t ask for a better way to sign off from the role than by taking on the sizeable challenge of Middlesex down in Pembroke on Friday evening.”

“I know our boys will give a great account of ourselves and with the size of the crowd certain to be a record one, I’m hoping that we can play the Lightning brand of cricket and show on an international stage what we are capable of. It would be the dream finish for me and no more than the boys deserve.”

Leinster Lightning Captain George Dockrell can’t wait to get going against Middlesex;

“I think there’s no doubt the Smartwater Summer Smash is the stand-out fixture of the year for the Leinster Lightning, we’ve done well in recent years domestically in Ireland, but are so keen to show what we can against a side with the quality that Middlesex possess.”

“Since the fixture was announced it’s been the talk of the squad and indeed the whole community here in Leinster. I’ve been absolutely delighted with the reception from our supporters and with the crowd set to be in the thousands for the Lightning for the first time, we all can’t wait for what is going to be a brilliant occasion.”

Tickets are still available for next Friday’s monster clash, but the public is advised to purchase in advance now to avoid disappointment as Pembroke fills up for the Friday evening match. Please click here to book now and guarantee your place.

Leinster Lightning Squad vs Middlesex - Friday June 21: 5.30pm Start

• George Dockrell © - Leinster
• Rory Anders - YMCA
• Andrew Balbirnie – Pembroke
• Peter Chase – Malahide
• Gareth Delany – Leinster
• Matt Ford - Malahide
• Fionn Hand – YMCA
• Tyrone Kane – Merrion
• Josh Little - Pembroke
• Barry McCarthy – Pembroke
• Kevin O’Brien – Railway Union
• Simi Singh – Phoenix
• Lorcan Tucker – Trinity/Pembroke