Ireland are in line to end their Test match drought with the possibility of two games next year, including a second Test against England.

Following news that Cricket Ireland are in advanced talks with the England and Wales Cricket Board about staging a four or five-day match ahead of next summer’s Ashes series, Andy Balbirnie’s side are also set to play a Test in March, with Sri Lanka, who still owe Ireland a Test match from the postponed game in February 2020, or Pakistan the most likely opponents.

A report in the Sunday Telegraph yesterday suggested that with England committed to six Tests every summer – and the England-Australia series to be played as usual across five matches - there is room for one more – likely to be a warm-up for England at the beginning of June.

With Lords already hosting an Ashes Test plus the World Test Championship final, a return to the iconic venue has been ruled out, with Trent Bridge or the Ageas Bowl the likely alternatives as they are not on next year’s Test match rota.

Ireland were granted Test match status in June 2017 but have played only three Test matches since, the last against England at Lord’s in July 2019.

Ireland Women are back in action today in the second of T20 internationals against South Africa at Pembroke (4.30pm), hoping to claim an historic series victory, with a match to spare, following the 10 runs victory in the first game on Friday.

Cricket Ireland have also got permission to play the remaining two games on a hybrid pitch.