England to host inaugural Ireland tour

History will be made when England host Ireland for the first time in an international fixture, with the two sides set to play two one-day internationals next year.

The fixtures will begin England’s 2017 international summer with Bristol hosting the first encounter on May 5 before Ireland play their first full ODI at the home of cricket when they take on England at Lord’s on May 7.

“We’ve been hugely impressed by the major strides Irish cricket has made in the last decade,” ECB director of cricket Andrew Straus said. “All their players will be savouring the opportunity to play a full one-day international at the Home of Cricket for the first time, as well as taking on England at Bristol,”

“Ireland’s past performances in ICC Cricket World Cups have shown just how competitive they can be in the 50-Over format; they will definitely provide our one-squad with a tough test ahead of next summer’s ICC Champions Trophy.

“I’m sure both these games will be great cricketing occasions with a strong Irish presence in the crowd at each venue.”

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One of Ireland’s most impressive cricketing achievements came when they embarrassed England at the 2011 World Cup in India, as the underdogs famously chased down 329 with five balls to spare.

Kevin O’Brien hit the then fastest half-century in World Cup history and was eventually run out for a spectacular 63-ball 113.

Ireland captain William Porterfield, who has previously called for more games to be scheduled for his side, believes their two-match series against England for the Associate nation.

“It's absolutely massive for us to have the opportunity to play against England in a series,” he said. “What makes it extra special is the fact that one of the games is at Lord's - where every cricketer dreams of playing.

"I'm certain we'll have a lot of support there from both the Irish living in London and travelling over from Ireland. There'll be a great atmosphere and it will be one which the team will relish playing in front of.

“Teams travelling to play England are also coming over here now to play series too so hopefully that trend will continue.”

Ireland has just finished a two-match ODI series against Sri Lanka and will take on Australia in a one-off ODI on their Qantas tour of South Africa in September.