Cricket Ireland confirm ODIs here against England and Australia next year

Irish Cricket has been handed a massive boost with the news that both Australia and England have agreed to play one-day internationals in Ireland as part of their 2015 itineraries.

The exact date of the England clash has still to be confirmed, but Australia will meet Ireland on Thursday August 27th following the conclusion of the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval.

Next year is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ever for Irish fans, starting with their third ICC Cricket World Cup, which begins in Australia and New Zealand in February and March.

In addition to the home fixtures against England and Australia, Ireland are co-hosting the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers with Scotland, a competition which will see 14 countries battling it out for six qualification slots.

The event runs from July 9th until August 2nd for the right to reach the finals in India in 2016.

Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom was delighted at securing further high profile fixtures: "We are thrilled to welcome both England and Australia to Ireland once again," he said.

“Although opportunities to find space in the Future Tours Programme are rare against the world’s leading teams, it is apparent that Cricket Australia and the ECB are committed to ensuring that the top Associates, like Scotland and Ireland, have a chance to test themselves against the best and to help us to improve.

"Off the field, the visit of such teams gives a massive boost to the profile of the sport gives a terrific injection to the local economy and provides a wonderful day out for our fans. 2015 promises to be a landmark year for Irish cricket with the World Cup, home ODI's against two of the world's top teams, and co-hosting the World Twenty20 Qualifiers.

“All these events represent a wonderful business opportunity for a potential sponsor as our highly successful seven year association with RSA draws to an end. These high profile events will deliver a terrific return on investment to sponsorship partners.”