Ireland cricket team captain has hailed the courage of his team.
This came after the Irish lost their first ever test match against Pakistan. Despite having tasted defeat, the Irish surpassed the expectations of many and proved that they have what it takes to be a competitive side in the longer format of the game.
No nation has won their debut test match since Australia did in 1887. The Irish came very close. Pakistan had to fight before winning by five wickets deep into the final day.
“It was a hell of an effort for all five days (four actually as the first was washed out), from how we bowled on the opening day with so much emotion about, after 11 caps were handed out and family and friends watching and we carried that through from the first day,” – said Captain William Porterfield.
“When we went out to bat, I’m sure a lot of the lads would like to have that opportunity again but on a personal level I can say the heart was beating a little bit faster than normal – I’m not saying it led to my downfall in any way – but there was always going to be nerves around. And the way we put that right in the second innings was superb.
“The fourth day belonged to Kevin (O’Brien) with great support from Stuart Thompson and Tyrone Kane. But to score a hundred on debut, being under the pump, and to show the character which we had talked about and to go on and score the big one was great to see, I’m delighted for him.
“We’ve done it before at World Cups, showing character, but Test cricket is Test cricket for a reason, it’s in the name, you do get tested and we were after the first innings (when asked to follow-on) when we had to go back out for those 25 overs at the end of day three.
“Had they knocked three or four over then, people would have had different thoughts on the game. But to get through that and to get close to 350, it shows what we have got in the changing room and the passion we have playing for our country.”
