The history of Irish Test cricket will add another chapter this morning when Ireland take to the field against New Zealand for the first ever Test match between the two nations at Stormont in Belfast.
The four-day fixture, with the match carrying the title of the Fáilte Solar Ireland v New Zealand Men’s Test Match, powered by Sigenergy, will run from 27-30 May, marking Ireland Men’s 13th Test since gaining Test status and offers another opportunity for the side to continue building its credentials in the longest format of the game. They have won three of their previous Tests.
Stormont hosted Ireland’s maiden home Test victory in 2024 when Zimbabwe were defeated in Belfast, a breakthrough result that demonstrated the growing maturity of the Irish red-ball set-up.
Now, a new challenge arrives in the form of New Zealand, one of world cricket’s most respected Test nations, in what is expected to be a landmark occasion for the sport on the island.
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie will lead a squad that blends established experience with emerging talent. Senior figures, including Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker and Andrew McBrine, are joined by younger players such as Cade Carmichael, Jake Egan, Liam McCarthy and Reuben Wilson as Ireland continue to deepen their Test player pool.
Balbirnie’s leadership and the all-round strength of the squad will be central to Ireland’s hopes of producing another memorable performance at Stormont.
Play is scheduled to begin at 11 am each day and will be televised live on TNT Sports.
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