Curtis Campher is the new kid on the blocks for Ireland Cricket. A South African by birth, Campher is a pure all-rounder who is a clean hitter of the ball and an equally fair seam bowler with a skiddy action. Having represented South Africa U-19 side in 2018, the all-rounder got in Niall O'Brien’s eye during a match against SA Provisional XI. The former Irish cricketer had a quick chat with the youngster where Campher revealed his Irish connection. One thing led to another and the youngster confessed his interest in playing for Ireland. Later the promising talent migrated to Ireland and was awarded an emerging player contract in early 2020. In February, he was added to the Ireland Wolves team for their tour to Namibia to make his T20 and List A against Namibia. A couple of months later in July, the all-rounder earned his maiden call-up for Ireland for the ODI series against England. Campher made his ODI debut against an experienced English team at Southampton. He punched above his weight on debut, coming into bat at 28-5 and compiled his maiden half-century. In the next game, Ireland was again in a tricky situation at 78-5 and the youngster smashed an 87-ball 68 to become the first Irish cricketer with back to back fifty-plus scores in the first two ODI innings. The Johannesburg-born was equally impressive with his bowling as well as he created vital breakthroughs through the three-game series. In February 2021, Campher made his first-class for the Wolves against the Bangladesh Emerging team in Chattogram. Later that year, he toured with the national team to UAE for the 50-over series against UAE and Afghanistan. In a short span of time, Campher has shown a lot of promise as well as potential. The Irish cricketer has both aggressive and defensive play and with the ball, and is well-versed with the art of break the partnerships, which makes him a vital cog for Ireland Cricket across all formats. (As of April 2021)
