Ireland confirmed to face England in historic first ever Lord’s test

This will be the first ever Test match between Ireland and England.

The four-day Test will take place between July 24-27 in the summer of 2019. The match will then be preceded by a one-day international between the sides in Ireland on May 3 2019. Ireland Cricket captain William Porterfield says it's a dream come true for the Irish cricketers to get a chance to take on the English in their own back yard.

“It’s matches like these that players dream about – to play at Lord’s in 2017 in a one-day match was special, but to play a Test will be truly memorable," he said. "We have some world-class cricket coming our way over the coming years, and through Tests like this against England we will gain the confidence and experience to progress as a new Test nation," he continued.

Exciting times indeed, and  Warren Deutrom, the Chief Executive of Cricket Ireland echoed Porterfield's sentiments.

"Coming soon after our competitive inaugural men’s Test against Pakistan in May, the confirmation of this news is incredibly exciting for Irish players and fans alike, and further demonstrates the growing status of Ireland as a front-line nation in the world game."

Meanwhile, ECB CEO Tom Harrisson is well aware that Ireland are a growing force.

"We fully supported the ICC’s decision to award Full Membership to Cricket Ireland and we expect next summer’s inaugural Test match at Lord’s against our neighbours to be an historic celebration for all Irish cricket fans. "It will also provide excellent Ashes preparation for England against an Irish team whose impressive performance against Pakistan earlier this year showed they can compete strongly in this form of the game," he said.

With ICC Future Tour Programmes and other developmental plans in place in Irish cricket, the signs are good for the future.