Ireland captain Stirling out of Namibia series

Ireland captain Paul Stirling will miss the concluding two matches of his side's one-day international series in Namibia after fracturing his finger. Paul Stirling had half-centuries in both of his innings in the Namibia series Ireland captain Paul Stirling will miss the final two games of his side's one-day international series in Namibia after fracturing his finger. The 36-year-old sustained the injury while fielding during his side's loss in the third ODI on Tuesday, a result that leaves his side trailing their hosts 2-1 in the five-match series. Tim Tector, brother of middle-order batter Harry Tector, has been called up as a replacement. The younger Tector sibling is uncapped in ODIs, although he has made eight appearances for the side in T20 cricket, averaging 17 in the shorter format.

Battling to save the series, the injury to Stirling is another blow to head coach Gary Wilson. The Ireland opener was unable to bat in his side's innings following the injury on Tuesday, but had a pair of half-centuries in the first two games in Windhoek, leading the side with scores of 56 and 77. Ireland won the opener of the series on 22 October but have suffered losses of 31 and 63 runs in the two games since. The series, which is being used by Ireland as preparation for next