Ireland aims to emulate Australia

RAIN in Dublin last night delayed the start of Ireland’s inaugural first Test against Pakistan.

The Irish were about to become the 11th nation to play the longest format, yet heavy overnight showers and further light rain in the morning at Malahide scuppered the prospect of the five-day contest beginning on time.

Ireland is looking to do what no side has done in 141 years by winning its inaugural Test. Not since Australia beat England by 45 runs in Melbourne in 1877 in the first Test ever played has a team got off to a victorious start in cricket’s premier format.

Pakistan is firm favourite but Ireland captain William Porterfield hopes some classic local conditions favour his side. “We’ve always got a chance, it’s sport,” he said at a pre-match press conference.

“Are we favourites? No. But we’ve as much chance as anyone if we do the basics right. In our own conditions we will give ourselves a very good chance. There is a lot of experience in our line-up, exciting youth as well so I don’t see any reason why not.

“It is a bit stereotypical, but if we get a bit of sideways movement it is the main aspect we want to bring to the table. If we can have that in the game then I think it gives us the best chance of winning.”

But such conditions could also favour a Pakistan attack set to be led by Mohammad Amir.

“He’s obviously a very skilful bowler,” said opening batsman Porterfield of the leftarm quick. “A couple of guys have faced him in county cricket and multi-day games and we played against them in white-ball cricket.

“But obviously, late swing is going to be a factor for him and sideways movement with their handy seam attack so we are going to have to fight back with the bat as well.”

Porterfield and some of his Ireland teammates had the chance to pick the brains of former England opener Marcus Trescothick during a warm-up match against Somerset and they will look to put his advice to good use against Pakistan.