Ireland v Zimbabwe: ‘We we never believed it would happen’ – White welcomes first Test in NI

Craig Ervine will lead the Chevrons while Sean Williams, Tendai Chatara, Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava are also in a squad which includes four uncapped players.

Zimbabwe’s calendar, like Ireland, is dominated by white-ball cricket with their only Test action since 2021 a two-match series with West Indies last February.

They lost 1-0 and such a long wait for a return to the longest format will no doubt leave them the rustier side.

Ireland are coming off a poor T20 World Cup which included a shock defeat at the hands of Canada.

They now have the chance to bounce back in front of their own fans as their Test journey continues.

“The players are determined to move on from the disappointment of the World Cup,” added the 44-year-old.

“The change of format has come at a really good time for them, it’s given them something else to focus on and really get stuck into.

“Having won the last Test match against Afghanistan, to get back-to-back victories would be a brilliant achievement and it’s something they’re really determined to do.”

Test cricket may be on the decline but in a new city and in front of a new audience it has to chance to show it remains alive and kicking.

Now we just need the weather to play ball.