COLOMBO, 11 February 2026 – Ireland opening batsman Ross Adair has become a focal point of the national side’s top-order strategy during the opening stages of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The 31-year-old, who famously transitioned from professional rugby union to elite cricket, is currently featuring in Ireland’s Group B campaign in Sri Lanka.
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In today’s high-stakes encounter against Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Adair provided a brief but aggressive spark for the Irish side. Following the early retirement of captain Paul Stirling due to injury, Adair took the initiative, striking a four and a six off bowler Xavier Bartlett. However, his innings was cut short on 12 runs when he was flummoxed by a slower ball from Nathan Ellis, leaving Ireland at 13-2 in the early overs.
This performance follows a solid showing against Sri Lanka three days ago (8 February 2026). In that fixture, Adair struck a defiant 34 off 23 balls, including a well-timed maximum against the tournament hosts. Despite his efforts and a supporting 40 from Harry Tector, Ireland fell 20 runs short of Sri Lanka’s total of 163.
Player Profile and Career Background
Ross Adair’s rise in Irish cricket is noted for its unconventional path. The older brother of Irish international Mark Adair, Ross previously played professional rugby for Ulster before a hip injury redirected his focus to cricket. Since his international debut, he has established himself as a “bolter” for major tournaments due to his high strike rate and ability to take charge during the powerplay overs.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | George Ross Adair |
| Born | 21 April 1994 |
| Age | 31 Years |
| Role | Batsman (Opener) |
| Batting Style | Right Handed |
| Bowling Style | Slow left-arm orthodox |
| Notable Family | Mark Adair (Brother) |
Recent Form and Statistics
Heading into the 2026 World Cup, Adair has been one of Ireland’s most consistent run-scorers in the shortest format. Public insights and recent match data highlight his impact over the last ten matches:
- Total Runs: 293 runs in his last 10 appearances.
- Average: 29.30.
- Strike Rate: 139.52.
- Milestones: Includes one century in T20 international competition.
While Adair missed the late 2025 series against Bangladesh due to injury, his recovery and subsequent form in the UAE warm-up matches secured his spot as Paul Stirling’s primary opening partner for the current World Cup cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ross Adair related to Mark Adair?
Yes, Ross Adair is the older brother of Mark Adair, the prominent Irish seam-bowling all-rounder. Both brothers are currently representing Ireland in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
What was Ross Adair’s previous career?
Before committing to professional cricket, Ross Adair was a professional rugby union player. He represented Ulster at the senior level before transitioning to cricket full-time following injury setbacks.
How did Ross Adair perform against Australia today?
In the match on 11 February 2026, Adair scored 12 runs off the Australian attack before being bowled by Nathan Ellis. His innings included a four and a six during the powerplay.