The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
IRELAND’S skipper Andrew Balbirnie has been ruled out of the remaining two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Zimbabwe after suffering a mild concussion during the first ODI on Wednesday.
The Irish skipper was struck on the helmet by a deflection off his own bat in an attempt to play a Brad Evans delivery.
The incident saw the Irish skipper retire from the match after scoring 121 runs.
Balbirnie’s century had been the cornerstone of Ireland’s innings, as the visitors made 288 runs in the rain-affected match, which Zimbabwe won by three wickets through the Duckworth-Lewis method.
Cricket Ireland have since confirmed that the skipper, who scored his eighth century in his 200th appearance on Wednesday, will not take part in any of the remaining games of the series.
“Andrew Balbirnie sustained a suspected mild concussive episode after being struck on the helmet while batting in (Wednesday)’s match against Zimbabwe.
“He retired hurt and did not take the field in the second innings in line with concussion protocols.
“He was reassessed, but the decision has been made to withdraw him from the remaining two matches of this series as a precaution,” said Mark Rausa, head of physiotherapy and medical services at Cricket Ireland.
Ireland national selector Andrew White has described the withdrawal of Balbirnie as disappointing.
“It’s extremely disappointing to lose our skipper in this manner, particularly after his outstanding century in his 200th match for Ireland.
“We all hope his recovery is quick, and he is back in the park soon,” said White.
The Irish skipper has since been replaced by left-hand top-order batter Murray Commins.
