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A four-day defeat loomed until Greaves and Hope dug in to give West Indies some hope against New Zealand’s tired attack

Shashank Kishore05-Dec-2025

A depleted New Zealand attack – effectively reduced to just two-and-a-half frontline bowlers – was made to toil as a defiant West Indies rearguard stretched the contest into a fifth day on an increasingly docile Hagley Oval surface.Forced off the field on day three by an eye infection, Shai Hope returned with sunglasses under his helmet to compile an unbeaten 116. It followed his first-innings 56 and marked his second century in three innings, a seamless extension of the defiance he showed while stonewalling India for long periods in New Delhi in October.If Hope was the fulcrum, Justin Greaves was the anchor beside him. He reined in his instincts to play a composed, almost uncharacteristically restrained hand to finish 55 not out off 143 balls. His unbroken fifth-wicket partnership with Hope was worth 140 as New Zealand’s attack toiled under the blazing Christchurch sun.Related

Blundell, Smith, Henry sustain injuries in Christchurch; Jamieson returns to Plunket Shield

Nathan Smith did not come out to bat and spent the entire innings off the field with a side strain. When Matt Henry left the field after the 35th over – later heading to hospital next door for scans – with West Indies 92 for 4, New Zealand may have hoped to finish off the game quickly.But with his bowling resources rapidly thinning, Tom Latham – already standing in with the gloves due to Tom Blundell’s torn hamstring that ruled him out of not just this Test but the next – was left to lean heavily on Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell’s part-time spin around pacer Jacob Duffy. On a surface that only got easier to bat on against the old ball, Hope and Greaves settled in and applied themselves admirably.Having begun with positive intent, Hope was tested periodically with the short ball, Duffy setting a square leg halfway to the rope along with a short leg and fine leg for the pull. Hope mostly swayed and ducked out of harm’s way, and on the rare occasions he was tempted into the shot, he did well to keep it down. He brought up his fourth Test century off 139 deliveries.Duffy employed a similar plan to Greaves, whose natural game is far more instinctive. But to his credit, Greaves appeared to take a cue from Hope, choosing restraint instead. He played only when the ball was at his body, using his height to ride the bounce and fend safely. While he was a lot more enterprising against spin, the fundamental of his knock was crease occupation.Justin Greaves played a composed knock of 55 not out off 143 balls•Getty Images

Hope and Greaves laid down the template for those who perished prior to their arrival. Tagenarine Chanderpaul and John Campbell were put through a stern new ball test by Foulkes and Henry as they repeatedly tested both their edges in an engaging first spell. Chanderpaul’s propensity to shuffle across got him into trouble more often than not, and was out to a short ball that he inside-edged to the keeper for 6 off 45 balls.Campbell – out an over earlier – was taken out by Foulkes as he jabbed at an away-swinger with no feet movement as Bracewell took a superb low catch at second slip. In the overs prior to his dismissal, Campbell wore a blow on his boot as he smashed one back off an inside-edge, making him groan in discomfort. This may have eventually had a hand in his dismissal.Alick Athanaze never got going, and the frustration of being unable to score had him attempt a pull, only to be rushed into the stroke by Bracewell. He only managed to toe-end a pull to mid-on. And when Roston Chase fell in eerily similar fashion to his dismissal in the first innings – nibbling at a Henry away-swinger while being rooted to the crease – West Indies were collapsing swiftly and were 72 for 4.A four-day defeat loomed until Greaves and Hope dug in to give West Indies some hope even as New Zealand’s tired attack wheeled away in the hope of a mistake. That wasn’t to come, as West Indies took the fight into the final day even though hopes of scaling down the 531-run target they were set seem just a pipe dream for now.Earlier in the morning, New Zealand surprised many by choosing to bat on. Perhaps this was to give their bowlers more rest on a placid surface, considering the slew of injuries. Kemar Roach picked up three of the four wickets to fall, finishing with figures of 5 for 78 to take his wickets tally to 290.

SLC said that the decision was taken “after careful consideration of the broader requirement of preparing well in advance” for next year’s T20 World Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Oct-2025

The 2025 edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) will not take place this year as was originally planned, SLC has announced. In a press release, SLC said that the decision was taken “after careful consideration of the broader requirement of preparing well in advance” for next year’s T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.The 2025 LPL was originally slated to be held between November 27 and December 23 across three venues – Colombo, Kandy and Dambulla. SLC, however, has now decided to move the tournament to another window, in order to allow “full focus on ensuring comprehensive venue readiness ahead of the World Cup.”As per ICC guidelines, all venues for the upcoming 20-team World Cup are meant to be in perfect condition to meet the demands of hosting a major international tournament. Accordingly, SLC said they needed the time to upgrade and enhance the infrastructure in and around the grounds.The R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo, which is one of three venues in Sri Lanka, had temporarily paused its renovation work to host 11 matches in the ongoing Women’s World Cup. SLC confirmed that the ground will resume development work immediately upon the completion of its scheduled games.The last two seasons of the LPL took place during July and August, however this year, with the 2026 T20 World Cup set to begin in February, SLC had initially felt the later window better suited their needs.ESPNcricinfo had also learnt that talks are underway to incorporate a sixth team into the LPL. The first five editions saw five teams representing Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Dambulla and Jaffna compete. Earlier this year, Jaffna Kings – formerly the longest-standing franchise, having joined in the tournament’s second edition – and Colombo Strikers were terminated by SLC for “failure to uphold contractual obligations.” As a result, the LPL currently has no franchise owners with a history stretching back beyond 2024. New owners for both the Jaffna and Colombo teams are yet to be announced.

Middlesex’s promotion hopes hit the skids with victory off the cards

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay17-Sep-2025

Lancashire 105 for 0 (Wells 60*, Jennings 36*) trail Middlesex 211 (De Caires 52, Geddes 52, Aspinwall 4-62, Bailey 4-68) by 106 runsLuke Wells and Keaton Jennings enriched the penultimate evening of the season at Emirates Old Trafford with an unbroken opening stand of 105 but Lancashire’s Rothesay County Championship match against Middlesex looks certain to end in the draw that would almost certainly end the visitors’ chances of promotion.Replying to Middlesex’s 211, a first innings in which Tom Aspinwall and Tom Bailey both took four wickets, Lancashire ended another day shortened by rain and bad light on 105 without loss, with Jennings on 36 not out and Wells unbeaten on 60. However, only 31.4 overs were possible in Manchester on Wednesday and neither side appears to have a credible chance of forcing a win, even if Thursday’s weather permits a full 96 overs’ play. So far 210 overs have been lost in this match.Heavy rain overnight and throughout the morning left the Emirates Old Trafford outfield saturated but after two inspections play got under way at three o’clock and Lancashire’s bowlers took only 6.4 overs to take the two wickets they needed to end Middlesex’s first innings.Tom Aspinwall had Zafar Gohar caught at long leg by substitute fielder Will Williams for 25 and then Henry Brookes followed for two in Aspinwall’s next over when he edged a cut to Matty Hurst behind the stumps. That left Aspinwall with figures of four for 62 while Tom Bailey finished with four for 68.Left with a possible 34 overs in which to bat this evening, Jennings and Wells quickly settled into their work. Wells pulled Toby Roland-Jones towards the party stand for six and Lancashire were 44 without loss at tea.In the evening session, Wells played with even greater fluency levying maximums off both Seb Morgan and Zafar Gohar, reaching his fifty off 71 balls and ending the day just 25 runs of a thousand in first-class cricket this season. Jennings requires another 67 runs to reach the same mark but it is also a reflection of Lancashire’s recent problems that this was only the county’s second century partnership for the first wicket in the last 47 innings, a record stretching back to the end of 2023.Middlesex came into this match lying fourth in the table, 30 points behind second-placed Glamorgan. However, their hopes are almost certain to be scuppered if they fail to win this game and Glamorgan avoid defeat against Derbyshire.

Former Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon spent his entire 14-year career with the franchise before retiring after the 2024 season.

Despite living in one of the skiing capitals of the world, Blackmon, a native of Dallas, Texas, had never hit the slopes before or during his playing career. Now that he's retired, however, he took advantage of his newfound freedom and gave the beloved winter sport a try.

And he absolutely loved it.

Blackmon spoke to reporters after his first skiing experience at the ripe age of 38, and he sounded thrilled about the sport, even expressing his desire to return to the mountain soon.

"It was in my contract, (I'm) not supposed to ski. I haven't been skiing. I tried it this week, and it's awesome. I want to go back, I've been missing out," said Blackmon. "Rockies should not be skiing."

Vail Mountain is just a two-hour drive from Coors Field, but because of contractual obligations and safeguards, Blackmon was prohibited from ever venturing onto the slopes. Now that his career has concluded, he wasted no time giving the forbidden winter sport a try.

Blackmon manned the outfield at Coors Field from 2011 to 2024. The former second-round pick hit 227 career home runs and boasted a .832 OPS across 1,624 games as one of the franchise's all-time greats.

Openers rolled for ducks before England battle back on rain-affected day at Chelmsford

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay20-Jul-2025England Under-19 229 for 7 (Ekansh 66*, Rew 59) vs India Under-19 Half-centuries by skipper Thomas Rew and Ekansh Singh spearheaded England’s fightback after slumping to 46 for four on a rain-affected opening day of their second Youth Test against India.Inserted in bowler-friendly conditions at Chelmsford, the home side lost openers Ben Dawkins and Adam Thomas for ducks and struggled until an elongated evening session, when they scurried along to reach 229 for seven.Ben Mayes began England’s recovery before Somerset’s Rew – leading a reshuffled side in place of Hamza Sheikh – struck 59, sharing a sixth-wicket partnership of 90 with Kent all-rounder Singh, who remained unbeaten on 66 at stumps.India seamers Aditya Rawat and RS Ambrish captured two wickets apiece, with another two falling to spinner Naman Pushpak in the final session as the tourists sped up their pedestrian over-rate.With the start delayed by morning rain and a gloomy grey blanket of cloud hovering above the ground, it was little surprise that India opted to give their seamers first crack under the floodlights.That decision was quickly justified, with the first delivery of the match from Rawat pinning Dawkins leg before and Thomas lasting just one additional ball before he fell to Henil Patel in identical fashion.Another ball from Rawat almost cut Aaryan Sawant in half, while Rocky Flintoff edged just wide of the slips on nought, but the pair withstood a testing spell and pierced the off-side field for a couple of boundaries apiece.They advanced England’s total to 18 for two before the rain returned – but, with the players warming up ahead of a post-lunch restart, a further downpour prompted the groundstaff to cover the square again.Play eventually resumed at 3.15pm, with the consistent Rawat getting the ball to swing both ways and he gained some reward by tempting Flintoff into the drive, with Vihaan Malhotra diving low to clasp a fine catch at second slip.Sawant’s gritty knock of 20 was ended by another slip catch for Malhotra, but Mayes took the battle to India’s bowlers, launching his innings with a thunderous square cut for four off Rawat.Pulling and driving with power, Mayes progressed to 31 after tea – only to perish wafting at a loose ball from Ambrish after he and Rew had laid the foundations of an England fightback with their partnership of 34.Despite an uncertain start, when he survived a couple of edges just out of reach of the slips, Rew began to flourish in the wake of Mayes’ departure, cutting Ambrish to the fence to lift his side’s score beyond three figures.The England captain targeted leg-spinner Pushpak, whose first two overs cost him 20, while Singh arrived at the party in style, sweeping Kanishk Chauhan for six and combining power with some wristy strokeplay.Pushpak took his revenge on Rew, returning for a second spell to have him caught at slip off the googly, but Singh progressed to 50 from just 53 balls and, with the help of Ralphie Albert (16) and James Minto (18 not out), kept England in contention for a competitive total.

When it comes to a country's player pool, Sarina Wiegman is certainly one of the more blessed international managers in the women's game right now. The England boss can call upon world-class players across various positions and has incredible depth in her squad, with the names on her bench making for enviable reading for most of her peers. However, that is not to say that the Lionesses do not have gaps in their squad, and even their starting line-up, that they need fresh faces to step up and fill as attention turns towards the 2027 Women's World Cup.

There are several positions where that is particularly obvious. Left-back has been the Lionesses' stand-out issue for a long time, because there is still not a dependable or natural option for the role, and Taylor Hinds' call-up this month is as clear an indication as any that England are trying to address that. Then there are positions like right-back, occupied by a stalwart like Lucy Bronze but with little in the way of back-up behind her. That's a big reason why there is such a debate over Maya Le Tissier's role in the Lionesses team.

It's a similar situation in the deeper midfield roles. While England have plenty in the way of options to be their No.10 – picking from the likes of Ella Toone, Grace Clinton, Jess Park and even Lauren James – it's quite different when it comes to the positions nailed down by Keira Walsh, as the holding midfielder, and Georgia Stanway, in the box-to-box role.

Call-ups this month for Lucia Kendall, Missy Bo Kearns and Laura Blindkilde Brown, who combine for just two caps between them, is evidence of Wiegman looking to build the depth behind her trusty first-choice duo, and it is the in-form Blindkilde Brown who feels best-placed to show she can assert herself higher up the midfield pecking order as the Lionesses enter a new tournament cycle.

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  Bubbling under

  Blindkilde Brown is a player well-known to Wiegman and her staff. Even before she earned her first senior England call-up in November of last year, and debuted in the second of the Lionesses' games in that camp, the 22-year-old will have been a name the manager came across plenty in her regular meetings with the staff who oversee the youth national teams. After all, Blindkilde Brown made her senior club debut as a 16-year-old, became a regular in the Women's Super League at Aston Villa and represented England across the underage levels during all that. She's long been a talent that many in the country have been excited about.

  But after bouncing between the senior side and the Under-23s over the course of the past year, Blindkilde Brown has started the new WSL campaign in excellent form for Manchester City, whom she joined in the January transfer window last year, and it is amid that mark she is making on one of the very best sides in the country that she feels primed for a growing role with the senior England team.

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  Patience is a virtue

  It's no great surprise that it has taken a bit of time to get to this point. Joining any club midway through a season is tough enough, but especially when you're a young player trying to take the next step in a big team that has fierce competition for places. City's injury crisis did pave the way for some extra opportunities for Blindkilde Brown last year, though an ankle issue of her own would sideline her for six weeks, and a pretty tricky situation for the team overall, which led to a shock managerial change five days before the League Cup final, didn't help for consistency.

  The start of the 2025-26 season has been extremely straightforward in comparison. Under new head coach Andree Jeglertz, Blindkilde Brown has started all-but two of City's first eight games and she has looked excellent, so much so that she was named the club's Player of the Month for September. Her goal-scoring display against London City Lionesses was a particular highlight, though it is her work away from the final third that has perhaps caught the eye most, especially in relation to England's needs.

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  Showing her versatility

  That's a change for Blindkilde Brown, who has largely been seen as a player for more advanced areas of the pitch in the past. Though capable of operating deeper, she often played behind the striker or even out wide at times, explaining in an interview with GOAL during her Villa days that her aim was to be more of "an impact player" who not only provided assists but scored goals in order to help the team win.

  Now, though, she's thriving in a role that takes her closer to the back line than perhaps ever before, at least at club level. It's something that the 22-year-old was doing under City's previous permanent coach, Gareth Taylor, though on a more varied basis. "I don't really mind which position I play. I like the defensive side of it, but I also do like the attacking side of it," she explained, before adding: "It also does help with opportunities, knowing that I can do both."

  She has the skillset for any role in midfield, too. "I think the biggest thing with her is her quality on the ball," Emma Coates, England's U23s coach, noted. "Wherever that sits tactically, that's a decision for whoever's making the game plan and [taking into accounting] the players available. But I think with Laura, she's such an exciting player on the ball. Some of the tightness, her ability under pressure, is a pleasure to watch, frankly."

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  Exactly what England need

  To see Blindkilde Brown bringing that to the table in a deeper role, on a consistent basis, will have been welcome viewing for Wiegman as she looks to build the depth behind Walsh and Stanway. Since the post-Euro 2022 retirement of Jill Scott, who provided great back-up in deeper areas during Wiegman's first tournament in charge, England have welcomed different options into camps, but none have really stuck and made their mark on the squad as the manager would have liked.

  Jordan Nobbs, Katie Zelem and Laura Coombs went to the last Women's World Cup to beef up the midfield department, but none have had a call-up since 2023, with Wiegman turning her attention elsewhere. Clinton, who deputised in Stanway's box-to-box role during the Bayern Munich star's injury absence earlier this year, is the closest the manager has come to nailing down another option, though Clinton is still arguably better in the No.10 role.

With the January transfer window in mind, Everton have already reportedly launched their first enquiry to sign an Arsenal star for David Moyes.

Moyes "hugely disappointed" by Wolves defeat

After losing the Merseyside derby against Liverpool last weekend in a performance that arguably warranted more, Everton entered their Carabao Cup clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers in search of victory. Once again, however, that victory did not arrive and it’s now three games without a win in all competitions for the Toffees.

With West Ham United up next, Moyes will play host to his struggling former club in hope of compiling their misery rather than handing them a glimmer of hope.

After a strong start to their season initially, the Toffees have no reason to panic, either. Their transfer business has looked particularly impressive, with Jack Grealish winning the Premier League’s Player of the Month in August and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also impressing.

Those at Hill Dickinson will be looking to continue their trend of impressive arrivals when the January transfer window opens, too. It’s then that they could even reportedly make a move to sign an Arsenal star.

Everton launch first Gabriel Jesus approach

As reported by Caught Offside, Everton have launched their first enquiry to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal. The Brazilian forward is reportedly considering his immediate future in an attempt to work his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s World Cup plans.

Currently out with an ACL injury until at least October, Jesus is likely to face a tough task when breaking into Mikel Arteta’s strongest Arsenal side with Viktor Gyokeres starting well and Kai Havertz to return. That does, however, leave the door ajar for Everton or others to make their move when January arrives.

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Everton once released a star for nothing when he could have been a homegrown Tyler Dibling.

ByDan Emery Sep 25, 2025

Reporting the news, Mark Brus told Caught Offside: “Gabriel Jesus is open to leaving in January. He feels he can still get himself onto Carlo Ancelotti’s radar for the 2026 World Cup, but he needs to play.

“He’s tempted by a move back to Brazil, but there’s Premier League interest too – West Ham and Everton have made enquiries. Nothing more than that yet.”

That said, the deal is likely to be a complicated one to pull off in January thanks to the Brazilian’s hefty salary. Jesus reportedly earns around £265,000-a-week at Arsenal, which would instantly make him Everton’s highest earner above Grealish, Jordan Pickford and others.

Villarreal have unveiled plans to fly fans to Miami for their La Liga clash against Barcelona, offering free travel for supporters attending the December 20 fixture. CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles defended the controversial move, insisting the game is “about image and the future, not business,” as UEFA reluctantly approved Spain’s first-ever domestic match staged abroad.

Villarreal confirm Miami clash amid controversy

Villarreal’s CEO has defended the club’s decision to play their La Liga fixture against Barcelona in Miami on December 20. Speaking from Rome during European Club Association meetings, Roig Negueroles emphasised that the move is not motivated by money as he stressed the club won't earn "a single euro" from the game. The decision marks the first time a domestic European league match will be staged in a foreign country, with UEFA granting approval on an exceptional basis despite its longstanding opposition.

AdvertisementAFPVillarreal chief on fan access and club strategy

Aware of the logistical challenges, Villarreal have sought to mitigate inconvenience for fans, the chief executive announced that those able to travel will be offered free flights and tickets, while season-ticket holders unable to attend will receive a refund of 25-30 per cent of their season pass. He stressed the move aims to expand Spanish football’s international presence, telling that the initiative will be a "positive" for the nation's game.

CEO responds to criticism and financial concerns

Critics and fans have questioned whether playing abroad undermines competitive integrity or prioritises profit. Roig Negueroles, though, was clear that Villarreal will not receive direct financial compensation for the match, ensuring that any gains benefit fans. 

"I don't think it's a bad thing; I think it's opening up Spanish football to other countries, to other markets, and that's a positive thing," he said. "Villarreal will not receive anything for playing a match in Miami. We prefer that all available money go to season ticket holders. It's about image and future. We have schools in the United States, and we believe that any growth we can make there will benefit Spanish football."

He added: "The competition isn't manipulated when you play at a different stadium. Two years ago, we played seven matches at Levante's stadium and nothing happened."

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GettyUEFA reluctantly approves La Liga abroad

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin admitted the decision to stage matches abroad was “regrettable” but justified it as an exceptional measure under current regulatory gaps. Similar approval was granted to Italy’s Serie A for AC Milan’s fixture in Perth. Ceferin warned the approvals should not set a precedent, maintaining that domestic matches should ideally remain on home soil. FIFA’s ongoing review of international match regulations influenced UEFA’s exceptional consent, illustrating the evolving landscape of European football governance.

Chelsea have ended speculation surrounding Sjoeke Nusken’s future by confirming the Germany international has signed a new contract until 2027. The 24-year-old midfielder, who impressed in her debut season with 12 goals in all competitions, has committed her future to the Blues despite previous hints that she could look to explore options elsewhere.

• Nusken signs new extension with Chelsea

  Nusken has penned a new deal with Chelsea that will keep her at Kingsmeadow until the summer of 2027. The German international joined from Eintracht Frankfurt in 2023 and played a key role as the Blues lifted the WSL title last season.

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  'Very happy' – Nusken opens up on signing new deal

  "I'm very happy to have another year at Chelsea, to stay another year with my team,” Nusken told Chelsea's club media after signing the new deal. “We have a big year coming up, and hopefully, we can achieve the Champions League title. The team is so nice, and I love being here — that’s why I’ve always wanted to stay and win everything we can.”

  She continued: “The song the fans have for me is very special. Since day one, I’ve felt their support, and I try to give everything back that they give to me. As a team, we want to win the Champions League — that’s my personal goal too because we have such quality and can achieve it if we perform right on the pitch.”

• Nusken hinted at Chelsea exit earlier this year

  Just months ago, Nusken hinted that her Chelsea future was uncertain, admitting “a few doors” were open beyond this season. She had told Wa.de that she wanted to see how things developed before deciding whether to stay longer. Now, after a strong debut campaign and with a = growing bond with the club and fans, she’s put those doubts firmly to rest.

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  Nusken wants to help Chelsea finally win the UWCL

  With her future now secure, Nusken will look to build on her breakout debut season as Chelsea chase silverware on multiple fronts. The Blues’ midfield dynamo will play a central role as they target domestic dominance and the elusive Champions League crown. Her commitment also gives new boss Sonia Bompastor a vital cornerstone for the years ahead.

Ireland needed just 18.3 overs on day five – with threat of rain looming – to close out the game

Ekanth10-Feb-2025

Rain was the biggest threat Ireland faced when they came to the Queens Sports Club on day five. But in 18.3 overs, they wrapped up the one-off Test against Zimbabwe with a 63-run win. They needed to create seven chances for the last three wickets, and in the process completed their first hat-trick of Test wins in their ten-match history. It is the earliest point any team has earned a hat-trick of Test wins, bettering South Africa, who needed 14 matches.Matthew Humphreys converted his overnight four-for into a career-best 6 for 57, with Andy McBrine – his spin-bowling partner – closing out the game by knocking over Richard Ngarava with the new ball.Wessly Madhevere, Zimbabwe’s last ray of hope, battled through 195 balls for his 84. When his outside edge was beaten and stumps rattled by a quicker length ball from Humphreys, he could not drag himself out of the field, covering his face with his bat in despondence as the game was effectively done.The day started 30 minutes earlier than scheduled with 37 overs lost on day four. Humphreys, who had bowled 18 overs to stumps, was handed the ball. He needed three overs to create a chance – when he got Madhevere to nearly chip a drive to cover – and one more ball to trap Newman Nyamhuri plumb in front and complete his five-for.McBrine replaced Mark Adair right after and created two chances in his second over, both of which went down. Lorcan Tucker dropped one that went low off Richard Ngarava’s edge, while McBrine failed to hold onto a low skimmer the next ball. In the next over, Paul Stirling shuffled to the right at first slip when Madhevere’s reverse-sweep went aerial but couldn’t get within reach.Ireland took the new ball in the 81st over and McBrine found extra bounce with it right away. The sun broke out but Zimbabwe’s hopes flickered off in the 84th, when Humphreys got Madhevere, his sixth scalp.Blessing Muzarabani had put on 67 for the last wicket in the first innings with Trevor Gwandu, but to put on 74 with Richard Ngarava was too much of an ask. Ngarava hung around for 39 balls and took a couple of swings. He was beaten in the 86th over and knocked over in the next.McBrine flighted a full ball on middle stump, beat the slog sweep, and set the smiles free in Ireland’s camp. When asked about the hat-trick of wins at the presentation, Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie said, “Just waiting for the DVD to come out! We are desperate to play, we don’t know when our next Test match is.”As per the FTP, they are scheduled to play Afghanistan at home in July.