Rain could play a spoil-sport in the Ireland vs Pakistan Test

The Ireland vs Pakistan Test match gets underway tomorrow at the Malahide Ground in Dublin. This is a historic occasion as the Irish team is set to make their Test debut. The two teams have geared up for the contest but more than the cricket there are external factors that will have a say in the game as well.

The weathermen predict that Dublin will witness rain for the next five days and it is certainly going to hamper the match. The temperature is 11º C and level of precipitation is 90% with 80% humidity, the temperature goes up as the day progresses with sun also making an appearance but later in the evening the rain is expected to be back.

Ireland having gained the Test status in June 2017 along with Afghanistan will become the first team to make their Test debut since Bangladesh in 2000.

Captains speak

Ahead of the historic clash Ireland captain, William Porterfield said: “It is a massive occasion for everyone involved in Irish cricket., something that we have built up to for a long time, since the decision was made in June 2017 to get across the line in terms of Full Membership. Everyone has been looking forward to this week, so it is a big occasion for all involved,” he was quoted by ICC.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed is equally excited for the match and said: “It is a privilege to be a part of this historic Test match and all of us are really looking forward to it. Ireland, who have a great tradition of cricket, are playing at home and I wish them all the best in this big moment.

“Ireland players feature prominently in the ICC ODI and T20I player rankings, and I am confident that in due course they will also make their mark in the Test rankings.”

Squads:

Ireland: William Porterfield (C), Andrew Balbirnie, Ed Joyce, Tyrone Kane, Andrew McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien (WK), Boyd Rankin, James Shannon, Craig Young, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson (WK)

Pakistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (C/WK), Azhar Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Sami Aslam, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saad Ali, Asad Shafiq, Usman Salahuddin, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali, Rahat Ali, Faheem Ashraf

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