We hope to encourage people to aspire to play Test cricket: Balbirnie

Having seen Ireland win their maiden men’s Test match in eight tries, Andrew Balbirnie is happy to get the “monkey off his back” and hopes that this historic event will breathe fresh life into Test cricket at home.

“Releasing the monkey off your back feels good. Periodically, a list detailing the date of the first Test victory appeared on the screen. Very great to be a part of the group to accomplish that,” Babbirnie remarked following Ireland’s six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

That’s directly above it. Although I have played a lot of cricket for Ireland, that is perhaps the biggest occasion for me. Thankfully, we now have a place in cricket history as many players who came before us were unable to play in Test matches. It was our turn to play and prevail.

It’s far more significant than cricket. We’re hoping that we can encourage and support those who wish to play cricket in Test matches back home.”

Ireland got off to a nervous start as they chased 111 runs and history. They were tottering at 13/3 and then 39/4 until an undefeated combination between Lorcan Tucker (27*) and Balbirnie (58*) carried the side home.

Balbirnie remarked, “After losing the toss, we started the Test really well.” “The bowling was very disciplined and excellent. That kind of score puts you just one collaboration away. It became easier the longer we stayed there. We were going for our first victory, so of course there were anxieties. I knew we could succeed if I could become comfortable.”

“We had to bowl well and create opportunities even though we knew it would be attritional stuff and that the first day’s swing was probably a little more severe. We accomplished that, I believe. Additionally, the spinners entered the game, generated opportunities, and tied down ends when necessary. We simply put up a great performance overall, and I believe we earned it.

We have been winning sessions since day one, therefore we are overjoyed to have won our first test.

Balbirnie was realistic about the number of Tests that Ireland might get, despite the excitement, but he hoped to seize the opportunity when it presented itself.

Balbirnie remarked, “You have to consider how hectic the schedule is.” There’s a lot of cricket played around the world. We are aware that we won’t receive ten to fifteen tests year, and that’s okay. But we’ll do all in our power to make history and produce results when we do have the chance.