Test cricket’s newest entrants Afghanistan and Ireland will clash against each other in just their second-ever Test match next year. The one-off Test match will be part of a full series that includes three T20Is and five ODIs to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in February-March.
Both Ireland and Afghanistan played their maiden Tests this year after earning Test status. While Ireland put up a decent fight before losing against Pakistan in front of their home crowd on their debut outing, Afghanistan lost their inaugural Test inside two days against India in Bangalore.
Interestingly the Test match begins on March 17, 2019. The same date back in 2007 was when Ireland overhauled Pakistan in a World Cup game and took baby steps towards Test recognition. The T20Is kick-start the tour with the three T20Is played on February 23, 24 and 26. Then the five ODIs follow suit on March 2,4,7, 9 and 12.
“The Afghanistan series is a major step forward for Irish cricket as the tour is our first major tour as a Full Member,” Irish batsman Andrew Balbirnie said. “It will no doubt be a test for the entire squad – taking on Afghanistan in subcontinent conditions will require a level of adjustment by both our batting and bowling units.”
The Test match is a significant event in the 2019 calendar for Ireland having already missed out on qualification for the 50-over World Cup. They are also scheduled to play one more Test next year in July against England which will be a four-day affair.
“We are fortunate that Graham Ford (Head Coach) has scheduled a batting camp in December which will provide a number of our batsmen with some exposure to those conditions,” Balbirne noted. “It will be particularly beneficial for some of the younger guys like Harry Tector and James McCollum who won’t have experienced Indian pitches.
“With the retirements this year of Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien and John Anderson, we know that this is a year that will require the entire squad to step up, and it will also present some of the younger guys with opportunities to stake their claim for national selection.”
- 18 February: Ireland arrive
- 23 February: 1st T20I – Ireland v Afghanistan
- 24 February: 2nd T20I – Ireland v Afghanistan
- 26 February: 3rd T20I – Ireland v Afghanistan
- 2 March: 1st ODI – Ireland v Afghanistan
- 4 March: 2nd ODI – Ireland v Afghanistan
- 7 March: 3rd ODI – Ireland v Afghanistan
- 9 March: 4th ODI – Ireland v Afghanistan
- 12 March: 5th ODI – Ireland v Afghanistan
- 17-21 March: Test Match – Ireland v Afghanistan
- 22 March: Ireland depart
