Ireland have named their 14-man squad for what will be a landmark moment in their cricketing history — a first-ever Test match against New Zealand. The four-day match is scheduled to take place at Stormont, Belfast, from 27 to 30 May 2026, with play starting at 11 am each day.
This will be Ireland’s 13th Test match since gaining Test status, and the first time the two nations have met at the longest format of the game. New Zealand had already confirmed their squad for the tour of Ireland and England before Cricket Ireland announced their group on 22 May.
Balbirnie to Lead Despite Injury Setbacks
Andrew Balbirnie will captain Ireland for the 10th time in Test cricket. He is the only player to have featured in all 12 of Ireland’s Tests to date, making him the most experienced figure in the squad heading into this fixture.
However, Ireland go into this historic match without several key players. Paul Stirling, Barry McCarthy, Josh Little, Gavin Hoey, and Jordan Neill are all unavailable due to injury. Those absences leave notable gaps in both the batting and bowling departments, and the team will rely on those stepping up to fill important roles at Stormont.
Ireland have won three Tests in their short history at this level, including a win at Stormont against Zimbabwe in 2024, which will give the home side confidence heading into this match on familiar ground.
Four Players in Line for Test Debut
The squad includes four uncapped players who could make their Test debuts if selected. Jake Egan, Tom Mayes, Liam McCarthy, and Reuben Wilson are all in contention for a first cap at this level.
Their potential call-up adds further significance to the occasion. For any cricketer, a Test debut is a major milestone, and doing so against New Zealand in a historic first-ever meeting between the two sides makes it all the more meaningful.
Ireland’s Full 14-Man Squad
Andrew Balbirnie (c), Mark Adair, Curtis Campher, Cade Carmichael, Stephen Doheny, Jake Egan, Matthew Humphreys, Tom Mayes, Andrew McBrine, Liam McCarthy, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Reuben Wilson, Craig Young.
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A Milestone Moment for Irish Cricket
The fixture carries weight beyond just the result. Ireland’s rise through international cricket over the past decade has been steady, and each Test adds to a growing legacy. Facing New Zealand — a side that has consistently ranked among the top teams in world cricket — represents one of the stiffer challenges Ireland have faced in the format.
Stormont has become something of a home fortress for Ireland in Tests. The ground holds strong memories for Irish fans, and the occasion of hosting a side of New Zealand’s stature is set to draw considerable interest.
Tickets for the match are available through Cricket Ireland’s official website. With history on the line and a young squad eager to prove themselves, the Stormont Test promises to be one of the more compelling fixtures on Ireland’s cricketing calendar this year.
New Zealand begin their tour at Stormont before heading to England, meaning Ireland face them while the visitors are still finding their feet on tour — a potential advantage worth noting heading into the contest.
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