Ireland to face Afghanistan in first ever overseas Test in 2019

The match will be one of two Tests contested by Ireland next year, with a trip to Lord's to play England in July also on the agenda

Ireland are to play their first overseas Test against Afghanistan in India.

Cricket Ireland confirmed on Friday that the national side will play a five-day game at the end of their tour in March 2019.

The match will be one of two Tests contested by Ireland next year, with a trip to Lord's to play England in July also on the agenda.

"The Afghanistan series is a major step forward for Irish cricket as the tour is our first major tour as a Full Member," said batsman Andrew Balbirnie.

AFGHANISTAN vs IRELAND SCHEDULE

(all matches to be player at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun Uttarakhand)

February 23: 1st T20I 

February 24: 2nd T20I 

February 26: 3rd T20I

March 2: 1st ODI

March 4: 2nd ODI

March 7: 3rd ODI 

March 9: 4th ODI

March 12: 5th ODI

March 17-21: Test Match 

"It will no doubt be a test for the entire squad – taking on Afghanistan in subcontinent conditions will require a level of adjustment by both our batting and bowling units. As we saw here at home in the summer, Afghanistan is a quality side with some world-class players, and will be a great challenge in their ‘home’ conditions."

"The level and regularity of top-quality international cricket this year will be exciting for Irish cricket fans. The year will start with this Afghanistan series, and will involve a busy home schedule of matches involving multiple Full Member nations - starting with an ODI against England at Malahide in May. 

"With the retirements this year of Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien and John Anderson, we know that this is a year that will require the entire squad to step up, and it will also present some of the younger guys with opportunities to stake their claim for national selection. It’s an exciting time to be involved in Irish cricket."

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