Zimbabwe v Ireland: 'I just wanted to get the fun of the sport back' - ex-Ulster rugby player Ross Adair

The versatile 28-year-old, brother of paceman Mark Adair, received a first international call-up for this three Twenty20 games of the month.

Ross scored a try in his only senior team appearance for Ulster in 2015.

"I had kind of lost the fun of rugby and cricket was something I enjoyed for a long time ," Adair said.

"I loved playing cricket when I was younger and wanted to go back, start playing a sport again,” added the Northern Knights player.

Adair, who has also played Jersey rugby for Jersey Reds, replaced Lorcan Tucker for the three-game series, after the latter was awarded nu permission to play in the T20 International League in the United Arab Emirates.

Tucker will return for all three one day internationals against Zimbabwe.

"I was pretty shocked. I knew the guys were headed for franchises, but I never thought I was that close or next in line," Ross explained.

"Was thrilled to get a call from Andrew White and really looking forward to it.

"It's been hard for two and a half to three years to get to where I am now and if you had told me years ago, when i quit rugby i was going to play cricket for ireland then i would have laughed at you.

"I'm delighted and it's a reward for a lot of work - the gym sessions and hours and hours in the nets."

If selected to play, Ross and Mark Adair would be the first brothers to play for Ireland in an international match since Niall and Kevin O'Brien in the match test at Malahide in 2018.

"I am very proud of what Mark has achieved in Irish cricket and if I can contribute a fraction of that, I'd be happy.

"I can't wait to go with him and to potentially play with him for Ireland at the highest level would be amazing.

"I feel sorry for my parents, who used to get nervous watching one son but now have two to watch."

With a busy year ahead for Ireland, Ross will be keen to impress Ireland managers if he gets the chance in Zimbabwe.

"To score a try for Ulster was pretty special, in those short, sweet seven minutes off the bench, but it would top that .

"It's a huge year for Irish cricket so it would be nice to have some momentum for the rest of the year.

"I'll see how these games go and if I can then get a few more games to put my name in the hat, that would be great."