Irish cricket finally joins the top table

William Porterfield has thanked those that have paved the way for him and his Ireland colleagues to make Test history today.

Ireland will become the 11th nation to play the longest format - and the first since Bangladesh’s own initial contest in 2000 - when they face Pakistan at Malahide Cricket Club in their inaugural five-day match.

The International Cricket Council granted Ireland full membership last year. But they were first awarded associate status back in 1993, and it has been a long, challenging road - both for those out in the middle and others in the background - to ensure Ireland received this recognition.