Ireland interim captain Paul Stirling bemoaned the missed opportunity to introduce a few fresh faces after the final match of the T20 international series against India at Malahide was abandoned without a ball bowled.

Rain arrived in Malahide 40 minutes before the scheduled start and although it stopped just after 5pm, the ground was too wet for any play, giving India the series win 2-0.

“It would have been good to get a game today to give fresh faces a chance but our journey towards the T20 World Cup continues,” said Stirling. “These games are just the start of a 10-month build-up and there periods when we played good cricket. We will take forward those learnings but it’s about finishing off those games.

Jasprit Bumrah who has a 100 per cent record as India captain, was named player of the series.

Ireland’s next scheduled T20Is is a three-match series in Zimbabwe in December, but they have three one-day internationals against England, starting at Headingley on September 20.

There was no repeat of Monday’s stunning performance by Ireland Under-19s as England completed a thumping 209 runs victory in the second and final one-day game in Loughborough.

The hosts hit 372 for seven in their 50 overs with Civil Service North’s Finn Lutton the only bowler to take two wickets and Ireland were bowled out in 32nd over with only three batters in double figures, including Lutton’s team-mate Ryan Hunter who made 34.

Meanwhile, it could be a significant night of action in the NCU Premier League with Instonians having the chance to extend their lead to eight points with victory against CIYMS at Belmont.

At the other end of the table, Woodvale play the first of three games on successive days, when Cliftonville Academy visit Ballygomartin Road. They are currently level on points with Derriaghy at the bottom, with two games in hand, the second against Carrickfergus at Middle Road on Friday.