Ireland opener Ross Adair has been ruled out of the upcoming T20 International series against Bangladesh after scans revealed a bone stress injury in his knee. All-rounder Jordan Neill, currently part of the Test squad, will now remain with the side for the white-ball leg of the tour.

Adair’s absence comes as a blow to Ireland’s T20I plans ahead of a crucial build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Since his explosive 58-ball century against South Africa late last year, the left-hander has endured a stop-start 2025 due to injuries. However, he had shown signs of returning to form in recent months, scoring 48 against West Indies and 26 and 33 against England earlier this year.

Cricket Ireland’s Head of Medical Services and Physiotherapy, Mark Rausa, confirmed the setback:

“Unfortunately for Ross, shortly before departure he noticed some knee pain when running and doing his conditioning work,” Mark Rausa, Cricket Ireland’s Head of Medical Services and Physiotherapy, said as per statement carried on Cricket Ireland’s website.  “A precautionary scan revealed an area of bone stress in the knee. The decision was made to withdraw him from the Bangladesh series to allow the bone to heal and prepare him for his potential involvement in the T20 World Cup in February.”

Adair will return home to begin rehabilitation in a bid to be fully fit for Ireland’s T20 World Cup campaign.

Meanwhile, Jordan Neill, who made his international debut earlier this year, will extend his stay in Bangladesh. The 24-year-old, who suffered an injury during the home season, is currently featuring in the first Test against Bangladesh, where he made a valuable 30 runs lower down the order in the first innings.

National Men’s Selector Andrew White said, the decision to keep Neill on, provided both balance and flexibility to the squad.

“It’s very unfortunate to lose Ross on the eve of the Bangladesh tour, he really demonstrated his value at the top of the T20I order during the few chances he had in 2025,” White said. “There are a couple of combinations we’re keen to explore as we build up to next year’s T20 World Cup. Jordan Neill will stay on as part of the T20I squad to provide valuable cover to the wider group.”

White added that the selectors were also looking to test new batting options, with swashbuckling left-hander Ben Calitz set to play a key role in the middle order.

“We have players who have shown they’re capable of deputising at the top of the order, which allows us to adjust the line-up and create greater flexibility through the middle and late overs,” he said. “The left-handed Ben Calitz coming into the middle order will provide us with the variety we’ve lacked in recent years. This tour is an important opportunity to see how players adapt to different conditions and roles.”

Ireland’s T20I series against Bangladesh follows the conclusion of the ongoing two match Test series.