Ireland’s growing fixture list has been given another boost with the news that the West Indies will be travelling to Ireland in September 2017 to play a One-Day International.
The West Indies are touring England next summer and will play the match on Wednesday September 13th ahead of their one-day series against England.
Ireland last played West Indies in an ODI during the World Cup last January, when half centuries from Paul Stirling, Ed Joyce and Niall O’Brien led Ireland to a famous four-wicket win.
The Irish coach that day was Phil Simmons, who now is at the helm of his native West Indies.
“I’m really looking forward to bringing the West Indies team to Ireland,” said Simmons. “I had eight great years there as coach and made some lasting friendships as well as winning trophies.
“It should be a tough contest and Irish conditions will be ideal in helping our preparations for England,” added Simmons.
Cricket Ireland also confirmed the dates for the previously announced series with New Zealand and Bangladesh next May.
Ireland take on Bangladesh in the first game on Friday May 12 before facing New Zealand two days later.
New Zealand and Bangladesh go head-to-head on Wednesday May 17th, with Ireland playing Bangladesh for a second time on Friday May 19.
Ireland’s final game is against New Zealand on Sunday May 21, with the last game in the series between New Zealand and Bangladesh taking place on Wednesday May 24.
For Ireland coach John Bracewell, it’s an opportunity to pit his wits against his former Kiwi colleagues.
“It’s fantastic we’re getting the opportunity to play against so many of the ICC Full Members. We’ve just played Sri Lanka and have games against Pakistan, South Africa and Australia later this summer.
“It looks like a busy May for us, with two ODI’s each against England, New Zealand and Bangladesh. It’ll be a great experience for all involved in Irish cricket to be playing in England, especially at Lord’s – which with its history is always a bit special.
“I’m looking forward to taking on New Zealand and Bangladesh on our own soil. Conditions in May will hopefully be to our advantage and represents a great opportunity for us to collect some wins. With the West Indies due later next year we’ll have played 8 of the top 9 sides in a short period. That’s got to be good for our cricketing development and hopefully that trend will continue.”
Before then Ireland are in action this weekend when they take on Afghanistan in a five-match series at Stormont. The first game gets under way at 10:45am on Sunday – full details and ticketing arrangements can be found on www.cricketireland.ie
