First-ball drama as Ireland's Test cricket debut finally begins
Ireland got their delayed first ever Test under way on day two after Friday's washout against Pakistan.
No play was possible on day one as rain lashed Malahide, leaving Cricket Ireland to refund all those who had bought tickets.
Saturday dawned bright and sunny, though, and the governing body tweeted several pictures of preparations on the ground with the caption: "Sun, you're a day late!"
Sun, you're a day late! ☀️#IREvPAK #BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/SbCmJXQAQ6
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) May 12, 2018
Ireland's first ball in Test cricket did not go according to plan, however.
Bowled by Middlesex's Tim Murtagh, Azhar Ali took a single off it but in the process of doing so, opening partner Iman Ul-Haq was injured.
Diving to make his crease as Tyrone Kane tried to throw down the stumps, Imam - nephew of Pakistan great Inzamam - collided with the onrushing Niall O'Brien.
Thankfully, after a brief delay he was able to carry on.
Ireland enjoyed great success once play got fully under way.
Former England international Boyd Rankin had the honour of taking their first ever Test wicket, Azhar edging him to second slip.
That's lunch on day two! A memorable first session of Test cricket for our boys, @boydrankin and @tjmurtagh with our first two wickets. Pakistan are 67/2 at the break.#IREvPAK #BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/qe9enxZnfL
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) May 12, 2018
Imam went the very next ball, to Murtagh, struck on the kneeroll and given out leg-before, leaving Pakistan 13 for two.
With Haris Sohail and Asad Shafiq at the crease, Pakistan rebuilt thereafter and would not lose another wicket before lunch.
The first session ended with the tourists on 67 for two, Sohail having made 28 and Shafiq 22.
