Namibia win keeps Ireland on course for Test debut in 2018

Ireland’s quest to become a Test-playing cricket nation by 2018 remains on course following an innings and 107-runs Intercontinental Cup victory over Namibia in Windhoek.

Ed Joyce hit a superb 205, his second double century in successive Intercontinental Cup matches following his Ireland all-time record score of 231 against the United Arab Emirates in June, before seamer Tim Murtagh and spin pair George Dockrell and Paul Stirling helped wrap up the victory on the final morning of the four-day match.

Namibia, many of whose players have experience in the highly-competitive South African domestic league, were expected to provide a tough test for Ireland under the African sun.