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William Porterfield ahead of England-Ireland Test: The opportunity to play England at Lord's is special
Ireland dismissed England for only 85 runs in the four day Test match at Lord's on Wednesday, less than ten days after the latter had clinched their first World Cup title
Ahead of the Test match against England, Ireland skipper William Porterfield mentioned that playing at Lord's was a special feeling. Ireland, who were awarded Test status two years ago, have only played two Tests thus far, having lost both, but have been on a roll in ODIs, having defeated Pakistan, England and West Indies in different editions of the World Cup.
However, Porterfield feels that playing a Test at Lord's is right up near their ODI achievements.
"We have got quite a few World Cups under our belt, little things like that. They have been pretty big occasions, but getting to Test cricket and then having the opportunity to play here at 'the home of cricket' is a pretty special thing," Porterfield said at Lord's on Tuesday.
"We had a taste of it a couple of years ago with the one-dayer here. It's going to be a pretty special moment." Porterfield once worked at Lord's when he was a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club's Young Cricketers scheme.
"We used to have to dish out the programmes in the boxes and stuff every morning, so little bits and pieces that you have to do," said the 34-year-old.
Ireland, who qualified for the 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups, did not feature in this year's competition that was won by England less than ten days ago. The team was led by Dublin-born Eoin Morgan, who had previousy played for Ireland before shifting to play for England.
"It was disappointing that we didn't make the cut," said Porterfield "From a personal point of view, I was delighted for Moggie and everything that he's achieved with England. That's fantastic for him and they deserve all the plaudits that they get.
"But it (the Test) provides an opportunity for us now to get out and show what we can do."
Ireland started the Test on a high on Wednesday, dismissing England for only 85, as Tim Murtagh picked up a five-wicket haul.
