BAN vs IRE: Ireland eyes maiden Test victory in Bangladesh

Ireland found the preceding 50-over and T20 series against Bangladesh tough going, losing 2-0 and 2-1 respectively.

Published : Apr 03, 2023 18:02 IST - 2 MINS READ

Ireland’s captain Andy Balbirnie speaks during a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on the eve of the Test against Bangladesh.
Ireland’s captain Andy Balbirnie speaks during a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on the eve of the Test against Bangladesh. | Photo Credit: AFP
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Ireland’s captain Andy Balbirnie speaks during a press conference at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on the eve of the Test against Bangladesh. | Photo Credit: AFP

Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie said on Monday the team was excited but aware of the challenges ahead of its fourth-ever Test match beginning in Bangladesh this week.

Ireland has lost all three of its previous Test matches since becoming a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017.

It is also scheduled to play two more Test matches against Sri Lanka later this month.

“(There is) a lot of excitement coming into this week,” Balbirnie said ahead of the match starting on Tuesday in Dhaka.

Many in the squad have never played a Test before and the length of the game and the conditions would be challenging, he said.

“It’s certainly very hot out there. It’s a new ground for us as a team,” Balbirnie said.

“A lot of our guys have been brought up on white-ball cricket, in T20 cricket. A batter (in Tests) has to set himself to bat for as long as possible. Bowlers have to be as disciplined as possible. That’s going to be the biggest challenge.”

Ireland found the preceding 50-over and T20 series against Bangladesh tough going, losing 2-0 and 2-1 respectively.

The host will be without fast bowler Taskin Ahmed for the Test because of a side strain. He has been replaced in the squad by Rejaur Rahman Raja.

Bangladesh also denied permission to skipper Shakib Al Hasan and his deputy Liton Das to join the Indian Premier League until the end of the Test match.

“We are playing a full team after a long time. We have a good combination. We are all playing regularly, and in good touch,” said all-rounder Mehidy Hasan ahead of the Test.

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