Ireland set to play their first Test since July 2019

Ireland will finally play a Test match after a gap of close to four years during their multi-format tour of Bangladesh in March and April, the Cricket Ireland confirmed on Monday (January 23). Apart from a five-day game in Dhaka, Ireland will also play three ODIs in Sylhet and as many T20Is in Chattogram.

Ireland played their first Test against Pakistan in May 2018 but have played only two more red-ball games since then. Their second Test came against Afghanistan in March 2019 and played another one against England in July 2019. They don’t have a great record in this format as they have lost all these Tests. This will also be Ireland’s first bilateral tour of Bangladesh since 2008.

"We are delighted to confirm Ireland men's seven-match, multi-format tour of Bangladesh - and thank the BCB for their cooperation and support in agreeing this month-long tour. Since the two sides first met in 1997, there has been a great on-field rivalry formed and we look forward to what looks set to be another competitive series," said Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom.

"Of particular interest to players and fans alike will no doubt be the last fixture on the schedule - the match marks Ireland's return to playing Test cricket. It will undoubtedly be a challenging experience in Asian conditions for our squad, but it will be invaluable to our players' development knowing that we will be playing a great deal of cricket in Asia over the coming years."

Meanwhile, BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said: "Ireland's visit to Bangladesh is another exciting event in our home season after the series against India and England," Chowdhury said. "The BCB and Cricket Ireland have a cordial and strong relationship and the two boards have worked very closely to arrange this bilateral tour despite the challenges of a busy international calendar. This is also a statement of the BCB's commitment to the ICC FTP."

The Three ODIs will be played on March 18, 20 and 23, while the T20Is will happen on March 27, 29 and 31. Meanwhile, the one-off Test will be played in Dhaka from April 4.