Ireland set for Taunton test
13 January 2018 03:11:27 EST
Ireland are to warm up for their inaugural Test match against Pakistan in May by facing Somerset at the start of the 2018 season.
The four-day fixture will be played at Taunton from 6th April onwards.
William Porterfield's team then begin their journey as a Test nation against the Pakistanis the following month.
It will be a special return to the West Country for Irish left-arm spinner George Dockrell who spent five seasons with Somerset.
"I have some great memories from my time in Somerset and made some great friends while I was there," he said. "It's a wonderful place to play cricket and it'll be good to get a run out after a winter of mostly white ball cricket.
"Everyone is buzzing ahead of the historic first Test for the squad and this game will be a great help as we build up to the match."
Ireland have a new coach in Graham Ford, who enjoyed some success with Sri Lanka on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Pakistan follow the one-off fixture at Malahide, Dublin, by taking on England in a two-match Test series.
Pakistan are 11/4 to win Tuesday's fourth one-day international against New Zealand. A Black Caps victory is available at 2/7.
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