Graham Hume to replace injured Craig Young in T20 World Cup squad

North West Warriors pace bowler Craig Young has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup and will be replaced in the squad by his Interprovincial team-mate, Graham Hume.

In a statement released this afternoon, Cricket Ireland’s Head of Physiotherapy and Medical Services, Mark Rausa explained that the 32-year-old “experienced a recurrence of a chronic issue which we have been managing for quite some time.”

“Whilst we thought we were on top of the issue, it sadly flared up again once we arrived in Sydney and began training. Craig will now return home for an assessment with our medical specialists to plan out his rehab” he concluded.

It’s a desperate blow for the former Bready bowler but is now also a chance for Hume to shine on the global stage.

The affable South African made his full Ireland debut earlier this summer after impressing in the Interpros and he will fly to Australia as soon as possible to join up with the rest of the squad.

Andrew Balbirnie’s men will travel to Melbourne tomorrow ahead of official warm-up games next week against Namibia and Sri Lanka.

After that it is on to Hobart where they will face Afghanistan in the first of three crucial Group games that will decide Ireland’s future in the competition.