Ireland's Quest For Test Status Begins With UAE Clash

Ireland's Quest to become a Test playing nation begins at Malahide in early June when they take on the United Arab Emirates in the ICC InterContinental Cup.

Holders Ireland are in an eight group along with Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Namibia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Scotland and the UAE.

The side that wins the round-robin league will play the bottom-ranked Test team on the Reliance ICC Test Team Rankings in the ICC Test Challenge in 2018.

Ireland have won the InterContinental Cup competition a record four times, with Scotland and Afghanistan winning it once apiece.

The four day first-class clash with the Emiratis runs from June 2nd until the 5th, with play getting under way each day at 11am.

The game at Malahide will be new Ireland Head Coach John Bracewell's first game in charge.

Before then Ireland are in action in the Royal-London One-Day International against England on Friday (10:45am), also at Malahide.

The game is very close to being a 10,000 capacity sell-out, with a very limited number of tickets remaining. Further details on www.cricketireland.ie or TicketMaster outlets nationwide.