Mark Adair

Mark Adair is a premier bowling all-rounder and the spearhead of Ireland’s pace attack, recognized as one of the most prolific wicket-takers in Associate and Full Member history. A right-arm fast-medium bowler with the ability to swing the ball both ways, Adair made a historic mark in December 2023 by becoming the first Irish male cricketer to claim 100 T20I wickets. As of early 2026, he has extended that record to over 130 wickets in the shortest format, maintaining an exceptional strike rate of 14.92. His career-best T20I figures of 4/13 and his ability to deliver under pressure earned him the Fáilte Solar Men's International Player of the Year award at the 2025 Irish Cricket Awards.

Beyond his bowling prowess, Adair is a dangerous lower-order batter capable of clearing the ropes with ease. He holds a T20I half-century (72 against Scotland) and a memorable Test score of 88 against England at Lord’s, underscoring his value across all three formats. Having recovered from knee surgery in late 2025, he returned to form with vital spells during Ireland's tour of Bangladesh and has been a standout performer in franchise leagues like the ILT20 for the Gulf Giants. As Ireland enters the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Adair’s experience as a strike bowler and his aggressive batting make him the cornerstone of the Irish defense against the world’s elite.