Andrew Balbirnie excited about Ireland’s year ahead

Ireland are in Abu Dhabi for a four-match series against the UAE before a quick turnaround where they face Afghanistan in a three-match series in the Emirates

Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie (left) celebrates reaching his century with team-mate Paul Stirling during the third One Day International match against England which Ireland won in dramatic fashion. Picture: Adrian Dennis/PA

Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie is cautiously optimistic for his side’s prospects in 2021, as they prepare to match last year’s entire fixture list in the space of less than three weeks.

Ireland managed just seven international fixtures in 2020, four before the pandemic took hold and then just three in their own summer – all against England – as their entire domestic calendar was wiped out.