Ireland skipper William Porterfield (File | AP) 
Cricket

England old boys Boyd Rankin and Ed Joyce in Ireland squad for Pakistan Test

Ireland will again be led by experienced captain William Porterfield for what will be their first taste of the five-day format since being elevated to Test status.

From our online archive

LONDON: Former England internationals Boyd Rankin and Ed Joyce were included in a 14-man Ireland squad named by coach Graham Ford on Friday for next week's inaugural Test against Pakistan.

Ireland will again be led by experienced captain William Porterfield for what will be their first taste of the five-day format since being elevated to Test status.

Meanwhile, Kevin O'Brien, the century-making star of Ireland's 2011 World Cup win over England in Bangalore, has been included in the squad, as have county cricketers Tim Murtagh, Gary Wilson and Paul Stirling.

Pace bowler Rankin is the only player with previous Test experience, having represented England in the final match of their 5-0 Ashes series loss to Australia in 2013/14.

Veteran batsman Joyce, who like Rankin started his international career in Irish colours, played limited-overs cricket for England before switching back to play for Ireland again.

Ireland knocked Pakistan out of the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean with a shock three-wicket group-stage win on St Patrick's Day.

The one-off Test between Ireland and Pakistan is due to get underway at Malahide Cricket Club, near Dublin, on Friday, May 11.

Ireland squad:

William Porterfield (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Ed Joyce, Tyrone Kane, Andy McBrine, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien (wkt), Boyd Rankin, Nathan Smith, Paul Stirling, James Shannon, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson.

Why the additional declaration linked to Form 6 is facing a legal challenge

Four CISF personnel killed in firing by colleague after argument in J&K's Kathua

India in talks with China for alternative route amid Pakistan airspace closure

SP-Congress alliance faces fresh strain as Akhilesh skips INDIA bloc meet over UP seat-sharing talks

Rahul Gandhi tells CWC to continue 'resistance' against 'match-fixing' of polls through EVM, voters list