New Zealand cruise to test win

Doheny, Tucker and Adair put up resistance as Black Caps complete innings win

New Zealand celebrate with the trophy after the Failte Solar International Test Match at Stormont Cricket Ground. Pic: Nick Elliott/Inpho

Ireland battled hard but New Zealand proved too strong as they warmed up for next week’s opening Test against England by thrashing the home team by an innings and 79 runs in Stormont.

Black Caps bowler Blair Tickner helped wrap up victory for the tourists on the third day by taking five for 76 as Ireland were bowled out for 232 having been forced to follow on.

Ireland resumed on 65 for two, trailing by 246 runs, and New Zealand continued to dominate after declaring on the second day after reaching 490 for eight.

Nathan Smith followed up his six-wicket haul from Ireland’s first innings by removing nightwatchman Tom Mayes for five early on, and when Tickner had Harry Tector caught by Tom Latham in the slips, the hosts were 75 for four.

Opener Stephen Doheny fell to Tickner for 57, leaving Ireland on 104 for five, and the writing was on the wall, with only wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker (50) and Mark Adair (44 not out) putting up further resistance.