Ireland to play two Tests against Sri Lanka

Ireland will face Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series following a change to their schedule in next month's tour to the subcontinent.

Heinrich Malan's side were initially set to play one Test and two One Day International (ODI) fixtures, however, that has now changed to incorporate the series in the long form of the game.

It was mutually agreed that the two ODIs would instead become a Test match, however, the tour dates will not change, with the scheduled arrival of the Irish squad being 9 April and departure on 29 April.

"When we were approached by Sri Lanka Cricket about the possibility of a change to the schedule, our immediate thoughts were around our white-ball priority, given the potential 50-over World Cup qualification later this year still being a tangible outcome," said Richard Holdsworth, the high performance director at Cricket Ireland.

"Talking through our priorities and their priorities, we agreed to the late change given that the Test series is preceded by six white-ball matches in Bangladesh, and followed by three further ODIs after we return home.

"Exposing our playing group to an extended period in Asian conditions will be beneficial to their development and given the World Cup this year is in India, the more exposure to these conditions, the better – despite it being a different format."

Ireland squad: Andrew Balbirnie (capt), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Murray Commins, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, James McCollum, PJ Moor, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White

Fixtures

16-20 April: Sri Lanka Men v Ireland Men – Test Match (Galle)

24-28 April: Sri Lanka Men v Ireland Men – Test Match (Galle)