Cricket Ireland launch Test plan to halt defections

CRICKET Ireland (CI) have outlined an ambitious plan to become a Test-playing nation by 2020, in an attempt to prevent their top players declaring for England.

Coach Phil Simmons has signed a new two-year deal, and a record 23 players have been awarded central contracts, in a move CI chief executive Warren Deutrom hopes will end the talent drain across the Irish Sea.

Irish-born Ed Joyce and Eoin Morgan have both declared for England in the last decade, while fast bowler Boyd Rankin is currently training with the England Lions in the hope of achieving his ultimate ambition to play Test cricket.