Porterfield prepares for Ireland’s first Test match

William Porterfield has thanked those who paved the way for him and his Ireland colleagues to make Test history today.

Ireland will become the 11th nation to play the longest format – and the first debutants since Bangladesh in 2000 – when they face Pakistan at Malahide Cricket Club in their inaugural five-day match.

The International Cricket Council granted Ireland full membership last year. But they were first awarded associate status in 1993 and it has been a long road to ensure Ireland received this recognition.

Ireland captain Porterfield said. “It’s going to be a pretty special occasion for the 11 that are lucky enough to take to the park.

“We’ve mentioned it among the squad, it would be pretty remiss if we didn’t talk about everything that’s gone before us. Not only over the last five, ten years, but every cricketer that’s ever played for Ireland, the administrators – a lot of people have devoted a lot of their lives to Irish cricket to make this day happen.

“It just culminates in us being lucky enough to be the ones at that time in our careers to be able to take to the pitch to play that first Test match.

“Everyone that’s ever worn the jersey and done things behind the scenes and devoted their lives to it deserve a lot of credit for what’s going to happen.”

Ireland have joined the sport’s top table at a time when there are fears over Test cricket’s standing in the game’s hierarchy.

This month, Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom told the42.ie this match would “probably cost us around €1 million” – a figure they will not recoup in terms of ticketing and hospitality.

Porterfield added: “This week is all about Test cricket but doors and the financial aspect hopefully open up with being a full member. It allows us to completely grow the game within Ireland.”

Pakistan will hand a debut to opener Imamul-haq, the nephew of Inzamam-ul-haq, who amassed nearly 9,000 Test runs in his career.

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