IRE vs PAK, Only Test, Preview: Ireland step into the new world against the unpredictable Pakistan

It will be the test of character for the home side.

Published - 10 May 2018, 15:00 IST | Updated - 10 May 2018, 15:00 IST

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It will be a historic moment for Ireland Cricket when their 11 players will walk out on the field in the whites to make their debut in the longest format of the game. Sarfraz Ahmed led Pakistan are their opponents in the one-off Test who landed in the UK early to get acclimatised to the conditions. Even, The Village, in Dublin will make its international Test debut as the crowd is expected to fill in the Stadium more in excitement. However, the Irish boys would be eager to prove themselves by fighting it out as the visitors are obviously the favourites in this contest.

William Porterfield will be leading Ireland for the umpteenth time in his career and he was confident of his team doing well in their debut Test. They have a lot of experience in their line-up but they will be tested against the bowlers of high-class. Much will depend on how they deal with it and needless to say that they will learn a lot from this experience. Though the players will have to take care that they don’t get overawed by the occasion and put their best foot forward as Ireland enters into the new era in their cricketing history.

Pakistan have played a couple of practice matches in the lead up to this game and will be feeling more confident while facing the newest opponents in the format. But they bring the famous ‘unpredictable’ tag with them and nobody knows which kind of team is going to turn up on the given day. Moreover, the retirements of the veterans Younis Khan and Misbah-Ul-Haq has left a hole in the middle-order and the baton is now handed over to the next generation who are playing in these conditions for the first time.

Team Combinations

Ireland

It is tough to predict the line-up of the hosts but Andy Balbirnie is expected to open the innings along with Porterfield. Paul Stirling bats in the middle-order for Middlesex in the County cricket and he might continue playing at the same position at the international level as well. The likes of Ed Joyce and Niall O’Brien lend stability to the team with their excellent technique. Kevin O’Brien is the all-rounder in the side who will bat at number 7.

The bowling attack is experienced enough with the presence of Tim Murtagh (210 first-class matches) and Boyd Rankin who has played for England previously at the highest level. Andy McBrine is the only spinner in the squad and will most likely get a look in as well.

Probable XI: William Porterfield (c), Andy Balbirnie, Ed Joyce, Niall O’Brien (wk), Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson, Kevin O’Brien, Tim Murtagh, Andy McBrine, Boyd Rankin, Stuart Thompson

Pakistan

Sarfraz Ahmed announced the playing XI of Pakistan ahead of the game and cleared that they will go in with the same team which defeated Northamptonshire in the practice game. Imam-ul-Haq is set to make a Test debut at the top of the order for Pakistan now and he will open the innings along with Azhar Ali. While Haris Sohail has been entrusted with the crucial number 3 spot, Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam will follow him. Pakistan are going in with 6 specialist batsmen and have picked Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf as all-rounders.

Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas and Rahat Ali is the pace bowling attack as they will also be assisted by Faheem. Shadab Khan will be excited to play this game following his exploits in the practice match recently.

Playing XI: Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas, Rahat Ali

Focus will be on

Azhar Ali (Pakistan)

Azhar Ali is termed as the best player in the line-up when the ball swings. He was one of the best batsmen for Pakistan when they toured England and the onus will be again on him to carry the responsibility on his shoulders. He usually bats at number 3 in the whites and should continue doing the same in this game as well. Azhar plays a mighty patient game and waits for the bad ball to hit which might frustrate the hosts in their first ever game. Much will depend on how he plays as his teammates would look up to him.

William Porterfield (Ireland)

William Porterfield is the cricketer with loads of experience under his belt. He has played 127 matches at the first-class level and will have to lead from the front if Ireland has to compete in this game. He averages more than 46 with the bat and will surely the batsman to watch out for in his debut Test. He will also open the innings and will have to grind it out against the dangerous bowling attack of Pakistan.