Despite having only three T20s and one List A game to his name, he was included in the visitors’ 14-man squad for the opening match of the series. All games will take place at the Ageas Bowl, kicking off the Men’s World Cup Super League.

Born in South Africa, with success at junior level against England, all eyes are on the 21-year-old all-rounder. Here’s the lowdown on Ireland’s rising star.

Who is Curtis Campher?

This time two years ago, Campher was touring England with South Africa Under-19s. The right-hander was impressive with bat and ball in the opening ODI. He struck a classy 43 not out from 55 balls before following it up with 1-37 with his right-arm seamers as South Africa won by 79 runs. The wicket was none other than Tom Banton, captaining England that day, who he may well face again this series.

He backed it up in the second fixture, taking 2-47 as the Proteas completed a 2-0 series whitewash. But it would prove to be his final game in a South Africa shirt. With a senior call-up looking increasingly unlikely, earlier this year Campher decided to use his mother’s Irish passport to boost his international prospects.

[caption id=”attachment_168654″ align=”alignnone” width=”800″] Curtis Campher in action for South Africa U19s[/caption]

From green to green

Before lockdown, he signed a development contract and travelled with the Ireland Wolves, their A side, on a tour to Namibia. It was on that tour that all four of Campher’s senior games have come, and he impressed onlookers hugely. In the opening T20, he struck 45 from 33 deliveries. He backed that performance up in the third game with a 31-ball 62 not out as the Wolves chased down 206 runs with an over to spare.

And the youngster carried his form into the summer. On July 22, Campher was a star performer in Ireland’s intra-squad warm-up game at Southampton. The all-rounder hit a controlled 34 from 52 before taking 2-29 from his six overs with the ball.

[breakout id=”0″][/breakout] With fast-bowling all-rounder Mark Adair still recovering from ankle surgery, the pressure will be on Campher to strike against England’s top order on Thursday and deliver balance to the side.

What they said

“Curtis has impressed selectors and coaches with both his batting and bowling,” said Ireland selector, Andrew White.

“He played very well for the Ireland Wolves against Namibia in February, has trained well in recent weeks and provides a great balance to the side.

“Fans saw a little of what he can offer during the intra-squad match last Wednesday, and we believe he’ll be ready to step up if called upon.”