Ireland assume centre stage for first of three ODIs

Graham Ford's team will be the first Irish team to strut their stuff on the international stage since Covid-19 ravaged the sporting calendar. Picture: Jacob King/PA Wire. 

The Ageas Bowl will be close to empty when Ireland face England's world champions in the first of three one-day internationals today but Andy Balbirnie knows the eyes of a nation and the cricketing word at large will be bearing down on them.

Graham Ford's visitors will be the first Irish team to strut their stuff on the international stage since Covid-19 ravaged the sporting calendar.