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Edinburgh Castle Rockers will look to continue their impressive run in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) 2026 when they face Dublin Guardians in Match 21 at The Village, Malahide, on September 11. The Castle Rockers have emerged as one of the strongest sides in the inaugural season, with their combination of experienced international stars and quality Scottish talent making them a difficult team to beat.
Edinburgh have already demonstrated their strength in the competition, with Trent Boult, Mitchell Santner, Brandon McMullen and JJ Smuts among their standout performers. They also defeated Glasgow Cosmic by seven wickets in their most recent outing, chasing down 160 with an over to spare.
Ross Adair is expected to open the innings for the Castle Rockers. The Irish batter has been an aggressive presence at the top of the order and has the ability to put pressure on the bowling attack during the powerplay.
His 28 off 12 balls in Edinburgh’s first meeting with Glasgow highlighted his ability to score rapidly. Against Dublin’s Josh Little and Craig Young, Adair’s start could once again be crucial.
JJ Smuts should continue alongside Adair at the top. The South African-born all-rounder has been one of Edinburgh’s most productive batters, scoring 151 runs at a strike rate of 143.8 in five matches, while also contributing four wickets.
His ability to bowl useful spin makes him an important part of the side’s overall balance.
Andries Gous is likely to retain the wicketkeeping duties and bat at No. 3. The USA international has already made a strong impact in the competition, scoring 107 runs in five matches.
Gous’ attacking approach makes him particularly valuable once the fielding restrictions are lifted.
Brandon McMullen has been one of the biggest positives for Edinburgh in ETPL 2026. The Scottish all-rounder has scored 184 runs at a strike rate of 162.8, making him the team’s leading run-scorer according to the latest available figures.
He also produced an unbeaten 37 in the recent win over Glasgow, earning the Player of the Match award.
Laurie Evans is expected to continue in the middle order. The experienced English batter brings considerable T20 know-how and can play the role of the aggressor or anchor depending on the match situation.
His 33 off 31 balls against Glasgow helped Edinburgh successfully chase down the target in their previous outing.
Gareth Delany provides another attacking option in the middle order while also giving Santner a leg-spin option. The Irish all-rounder scored a quick 31 off 18 balls in Edinburgh’s latest victory over Glasgow.
His ability to contribute in both departments gives the Castle Rockers additional flexibility.
Tom Curran should feature at No. 7 and remain one of Edinburgh’s primary seam-bowling options. The England all-rounder has been among the team’s leading wicket-takers and claimed three wickets in the recent win over Glasgow.
His variations, particularly at the death, could be important against Dublin’s deep batting lineup.
Captain Mitchell Santner will lead the side from No. 8. The New Zealand all-rounder is arguably the tactical heart of the team and provides four overs of reliable left-arm spin.
Santner’s ability to contribute with the bat, control the middle overs and make tactical bowling changes makes him indispensable. He also picked up two wickets in Edinburgh’s latest game against Glasgow.
Mark Watt should retain his place as the specialist spinner. The Scottish left-arm spinner is particularly effective at restricting scoring during the middle overs and can challenge Dublin’s right-handed batters.
His accuracy gives Santner the luxury of operating two quality left-arm spinners in tandem.
Jack Jarvis is likely to complete the all-round options in the XI. He has already contributed four wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 7.26.
His ability to bowl different phases of the innings gives Edinburgh another reliable option alongside Curran and Boult.
Trent Boult remains the obvious choice to lead the pace attack. The New Zealand left-armer has been outstanding in the competition, taking 13 wickets in five matches.
His ability to swing the ball early and deliver accurate yorkers later makes him one of the biggest threats to Dublin’s batting lineup.
Ross Adair, JJ Smuts, Andries Gous (WK), Brandon McMullen, Laurie Evans, Gareth Delany, Tom Curran, Mitchell Santner (C), Mark Watt, Jack Jarvis, Trent Boult
