ICC Test Challenge

Truth be told, I have been a little preoccupied watching the Masters to pay much attention to the cricketing world news. Something did catch my eye though...

The ICC have approved a play-off system that will give Scotland and Ireland the chance to participate in Test cricket.

The ICC Test Challenge will occur once every four years. Starting in 2018 it will see the top non-Test countries, that come out from the ICC Intercontinental Cup, play the lowest ranked Test side in 4 5-day matches.

David Richardson, the ICC chief executive believes linking the Intercontinental Cup with Test cricket will give it "greater context".

But would we lose great players such as Eoin Morgan who maybe wouldn't give up their Irish eligibility to play for England? I think we are still a long way off this happening.

However, this is the aim for Ireland captain William Porterfield. "The ultimate goal of Irish Cricket is to not only stop players moving on and playing for England, but [to get] the county lads that are playing in England back home and on full-time contracts playing domestic cricket there."

So what do we think?

Is this going to damage England further, or do Ireland deserve a chance to play with their players against the big boys?


Ball on Willow.