DUBLIN: Ireland had a wet welcome to Test cricket on Friday with the first day of its one-off match against Pakistan wiped out following overnight rain. “There will sadly be no play on day one of our first men’s Test,” Cricket Ireland said on Twitter. They also announced all those who bought tickets for the day would receive a full refund. The Irish will become the 11th nation to play the longest format, yet heavy overnight showers and further light rain in the morning prevented the five-day match from starting on time in the grounds of Malahide Castle, just north of Dublin. The International Cricket Council awarded Ireland Test status in June last year. Only 11 Irishmen have played Test cricket, one for Australia in the very first test in 1877. Fast bowler Boyd Rankin, who achieved his Test ambition for England in 2014 and returned to Ireland in 2016, is part of the golden generation of Irish cricketers who have been rewarded with places in the first test squad. They include 39-year-old Ed Joyce, Kevin and Niall O’Brien, Gary Wilson and captain William Porterfield. The Pakistan side will also feature two debutants – opener Imamul Haq, who impressed in practice matches, and all-rounder Fahim Ashraf. After playing Ireland in the only Test, Pakistan are scheduled to play a two-Test series against England later this month. Published in Daily Times, May 12th 2018.