In case you had forgotten, Ireland and Zimbabwe are both still Test-playing nations and they will contest a five-day match at Stormont soon. James Richardson previews.
Ireland v Zimbabwe – First Test
25 – 29 July 2024
Stormont Cricket Club, Belfast
The match will be the very first in the format between the two sides, and the first Test played in Belfast.
Stormont hosts a Test match for the first time with Zimbabwe in town for their first red-ball international in over a year while Ireland play for the first time since a maiden win in the format earlier this year.
To Win Match
Ireland 1/1 | Draw 33/10 | Zimbabwe 3/1
Ireland should be looking to build some momentum in the format after finally getting a Test win over Afghanistan earlier this year.
Andy Balbirnie skippers an Ireland team with the current crop of elite internationals all present and with a few fresh faces to be introduced on the world stage.
Ireland are missing left-arm quick Josh Little, who could have been a real boost to them in this match.
They need to get a lot out of their top order and Paul Sterling and Balbirnie will be out to lay that good platform for Lorcan Tucker to build on for the hosts.
Zimbabwe haven’t played a lot of Test cricket recently and their last win also came against Afghanistan but that was now over three years ago.
This team has gone through quite a few changes and their focus will be building for the future and trying to make a case for World Test Championship inclusion.
Zimbabwe are led by experienced batter Craig Ervine in the series and will also need his run-getting ability against the Irish seamers who should have the conditions mastered.
Blessing Muzarabani stands out as Zimbabwe’s great weapon with the ball and he can really thrive in the Test arena where his influence will not be as limited as in T20 cricket.
Verdict: Ireland 1/1
The hosts should be able to power to their second-ever Test match win.
