IRELAND’S BIG TEST

IRELAND and Afghanistan have been given the go-ahead to play Test matches.

The International Cricket Council granted both nations full membership yesterday.

The ICC was meeting for its annual conference in London and confirmed Ireland and Afghanistan would be given the step up after a unanimous vote. Ed Joyce (right) & Co have been playing as affiliate members since 1993 and recorded famous one-day international victories over Pakistan, England and the West Indies in that time.

Now they will be able to play Test cricket against the world’s best too.

Afghanistan have also been elevated – despite only achieving affiliate membership in 2013.