Graeme John McCarter (born 10 October 1992) is an international cricketer who represents the Ireland cricket team. He played matches for the national team in 2014 and 2015 before being dropped and reselected to represent them in 2021.[1]
Born in Derry, Graeme McCarter began playing for Ireland at Under-15 level. He also played badminton, and represented Ireland, but chose to pursue cricket instead as he felt he was better at it.[4] McCarter joined Gloucestershire's academy in late 2008, and in November 2010 he signed a two-year contract with the club.[5]
At the same time, McCarter was also recognised as a future prospect for Ireland. The International Cricket Council (ICC) held a Europe Men's Academy in February 2011 for twelve of Europe's best players, and McCarter was one of four Ireland players to attend.[6] In June that year, he was called up to Ireland's senior squad for the first time.[7] However, he had to wait until September to make his first-class debut.
Ireland faced Namibia in the 2011–13 ICC Intercontinental Cup, and in the absence of several first-choice players due to commitments to county cricket McCarter was included in the squad.[9] Ireland won by five wickets and McCarter took a single wicket (that of Pikky Ya France, bowled) in the match while conceding 90 runs (1/90).[10] In February 2012, McCarter was again part of the ICC's Europe Men's Academy.[4] After playing regularly for Gloucestershire's second XI,[5] he made his debut for the first team on 7 May 2012 during a Clydesdale Bank 40 match against Middlesex. He bowled Joe Denly to claim his maiden wicket in one day cricket, and finished with 3/41 as Gloucestershire won a rain-affected match.[11] The same week, McCarter played his maiden County Championship match for the club; the only other first-class match he had played was for Ireland.[12] The match against Yorkshire ended defeat. While McCarter scored 29 not out from 14 balls in his only innings, when he bowled he conceded 67 runs from 19 overs without taking a wicket.[13]
Following the 2013 season, it was announced that McCarter would head to Australia for the winter to play club cricket as well as attending coaching sessions held by former Australian Test match fast bowler, Craig McDermott[14]
