The big picture: A rare test for Ireland
As a result, expectations are modest. There is no serious understanding of which players are in red-ball form. And although for New Zealand, it is part of the preparation for an important series against England, Ireland have no Tests scheduled for the remainder of the summer. Since Ireland’s players no longer play a significant role in the County Championship, and since the Irish system does not feature red-ball cricket even at club level, the host team will have to deal with significant challenges.
New Zealand have also had little red-ball cricket, their last two major assignments being the tough white-ball tour of Bangladesh and the T20 World Cup in which they were runners-up. But their cricketers benefit from a more robust first-class infrastructure, in addition to ample Test experience. Four-day work is also light work compared to the top level. They will rely on that pedigree in their first competitive match on the British/Irish Isles. Since Ireland are not in the World Test Championship, there are no points at stake.
form guide
(for what it’s worth)
Ireland: LLWWWW (The most recent of these three wins came against Zimbabwe in February 2025)
New Zealand: WWWWW
in the headlines
pitch and conditions
The Belfast surface generally offers plenty of zip and seam movement for fast players, especially in May. But temperatures have reached the mid-20s, apparently the equivalent of a heat wave in Northern Ireland. The weather is expected to be hot again for the next few days, so perhaps this surface will be better for batting than the previous Test. It is likely that spin will also play a more important role.
team news
At the top of Ireland’s batting order, Egan and Stephen Doheny are in contention to step into Sterling’s position, with Doheny the likely choice. Pacer Liam McCarthy could be in line for a debut, as well as 19-year-old quick Reuben Wilson, one of the most talented players to come through Ireland’s age-group system. If the track is suitably dry, they could also look at playing Matthew Humphries in the eleven, although they already have McBrine as a spin option.
Ireland (possible): 1 Andy Balbirnie (c), 2 Stephen Doheny, 3 Cade Carmichael, 4 Harry Tector, 5 Curtis Campher, 6 Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7 Andy McBrine, 8 Mark Adair, 9 Liam McCarthy/Thomas Mayes, 10 Craig Young, 11 Ruben Wilson
New Zealand also have young players they will look to explore. In the absence of Glenn Phillips, offspin bowling all-rounder Dean Foxcroft may get a chance to make his debut. There are plenty of fast bowlers to choose from on the tour, but Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears – all three of whom are fast – offer a potentially exciting combination.
new zealand (possible): 1 Tom Latham (capt), 2 Devon Conway, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Rachin Ravindra, 5 Daryl Mitchell, 6 Henry Nicholls, 7 Tom Blundell (wk), 8 Dean Foxcroft, 9 Kyle Jamieson, 10 Will O’Rourke, 11 Ben Sears
Statistics and General Knowledge
Citation
“It’s been a long time since we played, so you’re starting from scratch a little bit. For me and the team it’s about trying to find our rhythm quickly, then it will give us a chance to play with our brand and our style.”
new zealand captain Tom Latham
Andrew Fidel Fernando is a senior writer for ESPNcricinfo. @afidelf
