Big picture: Test debut for Northern Ireland

With its lush, green outfield and the iconic Stormont Estate situated behind it, the Civil Service Cricket Ground in Belfast is a picturesque addition to the list of Test grounds. On Thursday, when Ireland take on Zimbabwe, it will become the 123rd venue to host a men's Test match.

But can Ireland achieve that without their most high-profile bowler, the left-arm seamer Josh Little? While Little says he is "passionate about Test cricket", Cricket Ireland have allowed him to develop by letting him play in franchise leagues around the world. With Little currently playing Major League Cricket in the USA, seamers Mark Adair and Barry McCarthy will lead the Ireland attack.

Their opponents Zimbabwe are at one of their lowest points in international cricket. They haven't been part of the most recent ODI and T20I World Cups and aren't part of the World Test Championship either. Zimbabwe have won only two Tests since 2013 - none since 2021 - and have not played the format in over 12 months.

Form guide

Ireland WLLLL (last five Tests, most recent first)
Zimbabwe LDLLL

In the spotlight: Humphreys and Muzarabani

Only one Test old, left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys could lead the Ireland spin attack. After a forgetful Test debut in Sri Lanka last year, Humphreys has, according to national selector Andrew White, produced "consistent performances" to earn a place in the squad. He gained crucial experience with Ireland Wolves in the West Indies and Nepal since his debut, and his recent form is also encouraging. Last month, Humphreys took 15 wickets in two first-class games for Ireland Emerging against West Indies Academy at an average of 12.60, including two five-wicket hauls.

A tall fast bowler, Blessing Muzarabani is a natural at landing balls on the proverbial Test-match length even in white-ball cricket. He will aim to replicate that in favourable conditions in Ireland, where his ability to get movement in the air and off the pitch could challenge opposition batters. With a Test economy of 2.79 and an average of 24.89, Muzarabani is likely to be the key bowler for Zimbabwe.

Team news

Ireland are expected to make one change from their win against Afghanistan. Middle-order batter Theo van Woerkom was dropped from the squad and left-arm spinner Humphreys is likely to come into the XI. Stirling could bat at No. 5, while Lorcan Tucker is likely to keep wicket instead of Moor. Legspinner Gavin Hoey could have an outside chance of a Test debut, but might end up on the bench, alongside batter James McCollum and seamer Graham Hume.

Ireland (likely): 1 PJ Moor, 2 Andy Balbirnie (capt), 3 Curtis Campher, 4 Harry Tector, 5 Paul Stirling, 6 Lorcan Tucker (wk), 7 Andy McBrine, 8 Mark Adair, 9 Barry McCarthy, 10 Craig Young, 11 Matthew Humphreys

With ten new players in the squad since their previous Test match, Zimbabwe's XI is likely to include a few X-factor players. Brian Bennett could make his debut after an impressive outing in the T20Is at home against India, and so could allrounder Johnathan Campbell. Joylord Gumbie, an opening batter in white-ball cricket for Zimbabwe, is likely to keep wicket ahead of Clive Madande.

Zimbabwe (likely): 1 Prince Masvaure, 2 Joylord Gumbie (wk), 3 Brian Bennett, 4 Craig Ervine (capt), 5 Dion Myers, 6 Sean Williams, 7 Roy Kaia/Johnathan Campbell, 8 Victor Nyauchi, 9 Richard Ngarava, 10 Blessing Muzarabani, 11 Wellington Masakadza/Tendai Chatara

Pitch and conditions

Belfast is probably going to have a wet start to Test cricket. Rain is forecast on all five days - but more so on the first three. The venue has been a terrific for batting in limited-overs games, but batting against the red ball under overcast skies could be more challenging.

Stats and trivia

Quotes

"It's slightly different this time. Will be able to enjoy it a bit more with more Tests under the belt. Getting the cap in my own country will be special, friends and family around. Just a lot of pride, naturally a lot of emotion too for the local lads. But enjoyment will be the main emotion."
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie says the team will feel fewer nerves in their second home Test.

"There's definitely a lot more on offer for bowlers and for longer periods of time as well. As a batting group, the plan is to be as patient as you can, and when the ball doesn't move around much, you capitalise on those periods. But you always have to keep a tight defense, because the ball is going to move for a long period of time. So you can never relax as a batter."
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine on the challenges the visiting team will feel while batting