Ireland contract former Dolphins seamer Graham Hume

Cricket Ireland afforded former Dolphins seamer Graham Hume a retainer contract this week.

Hume was capped almost 100 times at first-class level in South Africa – by Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal Inland and the Dolphins – and represented South Africa Under-19 before relocating to Ireland.

He has been playing Irish first-class cricket since 2019.

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“It has become clear to me that Ireland has a wealth of talented bowlers in and around the national set-up,” said Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan.

“However, with such a busy schedule of international cricket over the next few years – and particularly as we get back into playing all three formats – we need to invest in and diversify our bowling stocks.

“Several of our frontline bowlers are returning from injury, and while in the immediate short-term we can cover these areas, in the medium- to long-term we need to develop a greater depth of match-ready international cricketers that can step in at a moment’s notice and perform on the highest stage.

Cricket Ireland have also given seamer Fionn Hand a retainer contract. All-rounder Conor Olphert has gained an education contract.

“Graham, Fionn and Conor have deserve their opportunities through hard work, perseverance, and their performances on the field, and I welcome them into the senior performance group,” added Malan.

“To my mind, each of these players are emblematic of what we need to create more of in Ireland – dedicated and committed players who strive day in and day out to improve their game.

“I know this is a trait of the great Irish sides we have seen over the years, and I want to foster a culture that builds on this – that talent and performance gets rewarded.”

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