The game has been scheduled for Stormont, Belfast, on Thursday August 27.
This will be third time the two nations have met in ODI’s – Stormont also hosted the historic first clash in June 2006, with England winning by 38 runs in front of a 7,000 sell out crowd thanks to a century from Marcus Trescothick. Ireland were far from outplayed, making 263 for 9 -Andre Botha top scoring with 52.
The teams then faced each other during the Super 8 phase of the 2007 World Cup in Guyana, with England emerging victors by 48 runs. Paul Collingwood top scored with 90 in the England total of 266 for 7. In reply, 63 from Niall O’Brien put Ireland with a real chance of victory, before 4 wickets from Andrew Flintoff ended their resistance.
Ireland captain William Porterfield is clearly excited by the fixture, “Obviously it’s great to be given the opportunity to test ourselves against some of the best players in the world again. It’s a fixture that all the lads are really looking forward to after the announcement of the game earlier this year.”
“The last time England came to Stormont there was a massive turnout, and hopefully August will be no different, and we hope to put on a real show for them.”
For Ireland coach Phil Simmons, it’s also a game which whets the appetite, “The fact that it’s England gives it extra spice – they’re so close geographically that it’s almost like a local derby. It’s a real boost to the game here, and I know just how much the players are anticipating the tie. It’s another chance for the players to showcase their talents, and hopefully by playing good cricket, we’ll get the fans to come and back us not only in this game, but in all our fixtures.”
“It’s fantastic for the players and fans to see some of the real superstars in world cricket playing in Ireland. It’ll be a tough test facing players of the calibre of Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff, but as we’ve shown in the past, we have players who are capable of responding positively to that challenge.”
RSA’s Chief Executive Philip Smith, the official sponsor of Ireland’s National cricket teams said; “It is another great opportunity for Ireland to play upon the world stage and we know that the Irish team will once again rise to the occasion. We are looking forward to the match with great anticipation.”
Recently, RSA announced a three year agreement with Cricket Ireland to expand its Official Team Sponsorship of Ireland’s National Cricket teams. The sponsorship agreement extends from the 2009 to 2012 seasons and covers the Senior team, ‘A’ team, Women’s Team, Under 23 and Under 19 squads.
Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom said, “This is great news for all Irish Cricket followers. It promises to be a memorable occasion and, with entry free of charge for all Cricket Ireland Full Members, there is no better opportunity to see the some of the world’s most famous players fresh off the Ashes campaign. For details of how to become a Full Member of Cricket Ireland, please see our website www.irishcricket.org.”
