Six out of the seven man Irish squad for the Hong Kong Sixes hail from Leinster. The full report from Cricket Ireland is as follows:
Cricket Ireland today announced their squad which will feature in the Hong Kong Sixes next month (October 28-30) at Kowloon Cricket Club.
There is one new face in the set-up, with 25 year old Max Sorensen from The Hills getting his opportunity to showcase his talents at the international event.
The South African born all-rounder is currently employed as the Cricket Development Officer at The Hills Cricket Club in Leinster, having joined the club as their overseas player in 2007.
Sorensen is delighted to be given the opportunity to play for Ireland, saying: "To be honest I was a little astounded to be given the call by Phil Simmons, but I'm determined to give it my best shot. I've trained with the squad a few times, and they're an awesome bunch of guys to be around. There's serious talent in Irish cricket, but I'm hopeful that I can prove that I can bring something extra to the squad.
"I feel my brand of cricket is suited to this type of fast action, and with the T20 World Cup Qualifiers and also of course the ICC One-Day league leading to the World Cup, I'm aware there are serious opportunities ahead. It's a great honour to get the chance to play for Ireland, and I'm determined not to let this wonderful chance slip. My motto is 'Go big or go home', and I've no intention of going home."
Sorensen came to Irish cricket in 2007 following two seasons in the Kent league. He has played at Under 19 level for Gauteng, but missed out on selection for the South African Under 19 World Cup squad.
Ireland coach Phil Simmons had no fears about putting the inexperienced Sorensen into the line up for the international event: "We'd have liked to have given him a run out in the Development squad this summer, but ran into visa issues, which have now been sorted out. He's getting married to an Irish girl, and has been here over four years now, so he can also play in ICC tournaments. It's a perfect platform for us to get a look at Max, and see how he makes the step up. From what I've seen, he's exactly the type of cricketer I'm looking for. He can bowl quick, hits the ball far, and is an exceptional fielder, who is supremely fit."
There are few surprises in the rest of the squad, with all-rounders predominant. Kevin O'Brien captains the side, with his brother Niall named as wicket-keeper. Paul Stirling, Alex Cusack, George Dockrell and John Mooney complete the line-up.
Ireland have been drawn in Pool B along with Australia, Bangladesh and England with the exact order of fixtures still be announced by the organisers.
The Ireland squad in full is as follows:
Kevin O'Brien (captain) (Gloucestershire)
Alex Cusack (Clontarf)
George Dockrell (Somerset)
John Mooney (North County)
Niall O'Brien (Northants)
Max Sorensen (The Hills)
Paul Stirling (Middlesex)
Phil Simmons (Coach/Manager)