If you’ve followed Irish cricket over the years, there’s no way you haven’t come across the name Mark Adair. Known for his fierce pace, clever variations, and unexpected ability to smash a few out of the park, Adair has quietly become one of Ireland’s most dependable cricketers. Whether it’s bowling tight spells in T20s or stepping up with the bat in Tests, Adair’s versatility makes him stand out.
Let’s dive into his story — his early days, batting and bowling stats, and how he’s evolved into one of the leading figures of Irish cricket.
Quick Snapshot: Who Is Mark Adair?
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Full Name: Mark Adair
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Date of Birth: March 27, 1996 (29 years old)
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Birthplace: Holywood, Northern Ireland
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Role: Bowler
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Batting Style: Right-handed
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Bowling Style: Right-arm fast
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Country: Ireland
Mark Adair represents a new generation of Irish cricketers — confident, sharp, and fearless on the field. He can swing the new ball at good speed and has often been Ireland’s go-to bowler in crunch moments. But don’t forget — he’s also a handy lower-order batter who can turn the game around with a quickfire cameo.
Mark Adair’s Batting Career: More Than Just a Bowler
While Adair is mainly recognized for his bowling, his batting stats show that he’s no pushover with the willow. Let’s take a closer look across all formats.
Test Batting Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 13 | 313 | 88 | 28.45 | 70.66 | 2 | 0 |
Highlights:
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Scored a brilliant 88 in Tests — showing he’s more than capable of handling red-ball pressure.
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Maintains a solid average of 28.45, which is impressive for a lower-order batter.
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Known for his fighting spirit and ability to build partnerships when the team needs stability.
ODI Batting Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | High Score | Average | Strike Rate | 6s | 4s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 39 | 469 | 32 | 18.04 | 103.77 | 21 | 35 |
Quick Take:
Adair may not have centuries to his name, but he’s the kind of player who scores crucial 20s and 30s at a brisk pace. His strike rate of 103.77 reflects how valuable he is in the lower order, especially in tight run chases.
T20I Batting Stats
| Matches | Innings | Runs | High Score | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | 64 | 755 | 72 | 15.1 | 127.75 | 1 | 37 |
Highlights:
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Hit a career-best 72 in T20Is — a rare feat for a bowler batting lower down.
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Maintains a healthy strike rate of 127.75, often finishing innings with late boundaries.
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His ability to play quick cameos makes him a valuable all-round option in the T20 setup.
Mark Adair’s Bowling Career: Ireland’s Pace Spearhead
If there’s one department where Mark truly shines, it’s his bowling. With the ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl deadly yorkers, Adair has been Ireland’s key weapon since his debut.
Test Bowling Stats
| Matches | Innings | Wickets | Best | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 13 | 25 | 5/39 | 28.6 | 3.6 | 47.68 | 1 |
Highlights:
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Took a five-wicket haul (5/39) on debut against England at Lord’s — a dream start for any cricketer!
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His average of 28.6 is solid considering Ireland’s relatively new Test history.
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Known for consistency, discipline, and that extra bounce which troubles top-order batters.
ODI Bowling Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Best | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 71 | 4/19 | 33.96 | 5.82 | 35.03 |
In Focus:
Adair’s ODI career is marked by control and aggression. His best spell of 4/19 shows his knack for dismantling lineups early. He’s also a dependable option in the death overs, mixing pace and precision effectively.
T20I Bowling Stats
| Matches | Wickets | Best | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 | 128 | 4/13 | 19.46 | 7.78 | 15.02 |
Standout Performances:
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A stunning 128 wickets in T20Is — making him one of Ireland’s highest wicket-takers.
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His average under 20 and strike rate of 15.02 are world-class figures.
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His best performance of 4/13 came in a high-pressure game, showing his cool temperament under fire.
Career Milestones and Highlights
Let’s trace Mark Adair’s professional journey across formats — from his early beginnings to his latest appearances.
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T20I Debut: vs Zimbabwe, July 12, 2019 (Bready Cricket Club)
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Last T20I: vs West Indies, June 15, 2025 (Bready Cricket Club)
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Test Debut: vs England, July 24, 2019 (Lord’s)
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Last Test: vs Zimbabwe, February 6, 2025 (Queens Sports Club)
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ODI Debut: vs England, May 3, 2019 (The Village)
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Last ODI: vs Zimbabwe, February 18, 2025 (Harare Sports Club)
Since making his debut in 2019, Adair has consistently been at the forefront of Ireland’s bowling lineup. From taking big wickets in England to delivering clutch overs in T20s, he’s proven to be a game-changer.
Also Read : Asif Ali Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Why Mark Adair Is So Valuable to Ireland
What makes Mark Adair so special? It’s not just about stats — it’s about impact.
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Versatility: Whether it’s the red ball or white ball, Adair adapts his game beautifully.
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Leadership Qualities: He’s often seen mentoring younger bowlers and leading the attack with confidence.
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Finishing Touch: His aggressive batting style gives Ireland those extra runs that often make the difference in close matches.
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Consistency: Rarely off his rhythm, Adair delivers spells that keep batsmen guessing.
The Road Ahead
At just 29, Mark Adair still has plenty of cricket left in him. With Ireland gaining more exposure in international tournaments, fans can expect him to play a major role in their success. His combination of pace, swing, and smart cricketing mind makes him a key asset for the team’s future.
There’s no doubt — Mark Adair is shaping up to be one of Ireland’s greatest all-round bowling talents.
Final Thoughts
From the small town of Holywood to representing Ireland on global stages, Mark Adair’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. He’s a modern-day cricketer who brings heart, hustle, and humor to the game. Whether you’re a stats enthusiast or just love watching fearless cricketers in action, Adair’s story is one to follow closely.
