Ireland Announces Squad for Historic Test Against New Zealand

Ireland is gearing up for a historic one-off Test match against New Zealand, featuring four uncapped players in their squad. The match, set to take place at Stormont in Belfast from May 27 to 30, will be a significant milestone as it marks the first encounter between the two teams in Test cricket. With several key players sidelined due to injuries, Ireland will rely on both experienced and new talents to challenge a strong New Zealand side. Led by Tom Latham, New Zealand arrives with a full-strength squad, aiming to maintain their high standing in the ICC World Test Championship. Read on for more details about the squad and match expectations.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 23, 2026, 00:52 IST

Ireland's Historic Test Match Against New Zealand

Ireland has included four uncapped players in their squad for an upcoming one-off Test match against New Zealand, marking a significant moment as this will be the first time the two teams face off in the longest format of the game.

Scheduled to take place at Stormont in Belfast from May 27 to 30, this four-day match will represent Ireland's 13th Test since achieving Test status in 2017.

Squad Details and Injury Updates

Andrew Balbirnie will lead the team for the 10th time in Test cricket, although Ireland will be without several key players due to injuries.

Notable absentees include Paul Stirling, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Gavin Hoey, and Jordan Neill, as confirmed by the ICC.

In contrast, Jake Egan, Tom Mayes, Liam McCarthy, and Reuben Wilson have received their first call-ups and may debut in this match.

The squad also includes seasoned players such as Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Andrew McBrine, Harry Tector, and wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker.

Facing a Strong New Zealand Side

Ireland aims to leverage home advantage against a formidable New Zealand team, which arrives with a full-strength squad as part of their tour of Ireland and England.

Tom Latham will captain New Zealand, who currently ranks second in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings with a points percentage of 77.78.

The batting lineup features stars like Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell, while the pace attack is strengthened by the returns of Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke.

Jamieson is set to make his first Test appearance since February 2024, while O'Rourke returns to the format for the first time since New Zealand's Test against Zimbabwe in August 2025.

Ireland Squad Overview

The Ireland squad includes: Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, Stephen Doheny, Jake Egan, Matthew Humphreys, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Reuben Wilson, and Craig Young.