Ireland squad named for historic Test against Pakistan

BELFAST: Cricket Ireland on Friday announced a 14-member squad for their historic maiden Test against Pakistan, starting May 11.

In June last year, ICC had announced two new entrants to the Test arena after the Full Council members approved Full Member status to both Ireland and Afghanistan at a board meeting in London. While Ireland will start their journey against Pakistan, Afghanistan will play their own opening Test against India in Bengaluru from June 14.

Senior batsman William Porterfield will lead the Irishmen in the iconic match. The senior pros who will be a part of the match are Ed Joyce, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien and Boyd Rankin among others. It’d been for some time that Ireland had been the most prominent associate nation, ever since their first taste of top league cricket in the 50-over World Cup in 2007, where they beat Pakistan in a truncated contest. Of late, Afghanistan have emerged as another major power among the associate nations and recently pipped Ireland before beating the Windies to qualify for the 50-over World Cup in 2019.

On the occasion of Ireland being awarded Full Membership, board CEO Warren Deutrom, had expressed his delight that the hard work had finally paid off. “We are delighted and proud with today’s historic announcement. It is an extraordinary testament to the talent and endeavour of thousands of passionate players, coaches, volunteers, staff, clubs and committee people,” he said.

“We would like to thank most sincerely the ICC and its members for bestowing this honour on us today. It is a reflection not just of our past achievements but of our potential to grow our great game. We shall spend the next 24 hours marking the moment and celebrating this great day for Irish cricket and next week the hard work of planning to transition to full membership and Test status begins in earnest.”

Squad: William Porterfield (c), Andrew Balbirnie, Ed Joyce, Tyrone Kane, Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Boyd Rankin, Nathan Smith, Paul Stirling, James Shannon, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson.