NEW DELHI: Barry McCarthy‘s three-wicket haul helped Ireland bounce back and bowl out Zimbabwe for 210 on the first day of a groundbreaking one-off Test match in Belfast on Thursday.
The match, which began after Irish skipper Andy Balbirnie won the toss, made history as the inaugural Test played in Northern Ireland.
Zimbabwe’s openers, Prince Masvaure (74) and Joylord Gumbie (49), put on a solid 97-run partnership, leaving the visitors in a strong position at 143-2.However, the team suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last eight wickets for just 57 runs.
McCarthy’s figures of 3-42 were complemented by off-spinner Andy McBrine, who claimed 3-37, as Ireland fought back to gain the upper hand on the opening day of this landmark Test.
“I think the two openers batted quite nicely,” said McCarthy, who was glad to see Ireland eventually take advantage of favourable conditions for pace bowling.
“The bounce and shape was nice, something you love as a bowler. We knew if we get one or two, the wickets would follow.”
Masvaure, a 35-year-old left-hander, said he was happy “to come into the side and put in a solid performance”, adding: “I would’ve loved to go all the way (to a hundred). It was nice that Gumbie was positive and gave us that start we needed…we’ll take that score.”
Gumbie, making his Test debut, narrowly missed out on a half-century when he mistimed a shot off seamer McCarthy, resulting in a catch by Curtis Campher at square leg.
Despite the setback, Zimbabwe’s innings progressed steadily, with Masvaure reaching his fourth fifty in his ninth Test appearance. The session, affected by intermittent rain, concluded with the team score at 153 for the loss of three wickets.
Masvaure surpassed his previous highest Test score of 65 before being well caught down the legside by wicketkeeper Locran Tucker off Campher, concluding a 152-ball innings that featured eight fours.
McBrine then made an immediate impact, dismissing Clive Madande for a golden duck on the very next ball. McCarthy later wrapped up the innings in the 72nd over by having Tendai Chatara caught behind.
Ireland were relieved of a potentially tricky start to their innings when a fresh downpour interrupted play and cut short the first day.
The match, which began after Irish skipper Andy Balbirnie won the toss, made history as the inaugural Test played in Northern Ireland.
Zimbabwe’s openers, Prince Masvaure (74) and Joylord Gumbie (49), put on a solid 97-run partnership, leaving the visitors in a strong position at 143-2.However, the team suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last eight wickets for just 57 runs.
McCarthy’s figures of 3-42 were complemented by off-spinner Andy McBrine, who claimed 3-37, as Ireland fought back to gain the upper hand on the opening day of this landmark Test.
“I think the two openers batted quite nicely,” said McCarthy, who was glad to see Ireland eventually take advantage of favourable conditions for pace bowling.
“The bounce and shape was nice, something you love as a bowler. We knew if we get one or two, the wickets would follow.”
Masvaure, a 35-year-old left-hander, said he was happy “to come into the side and put in a solid performance”, adding: “I would’ve loved to go all the way (to a hundred). It was nice that Gumbie was positive and gave us that start we needed…we’ll take that score.”
Gumbie, making his Test debut, narrowly missed out on a half-century when he mistimed a shot off seamer McCarthy, resulting in a catch by Curtis Campher at square leg.
Despite the setback, Zimbabwe’s innings progressed steadily, with Masvaure reaching his fourth fifty in his ninth Test appearance. The session, affected by intermittent rain, concluded with the team score at 153 for the loss of three wickets.
Masvaure surpassed his previous highest Test score of 65 before being well caught down the legside by wicketkeeper Locran Tucker off Campher, concluding a 152-ball innings that featured eight fours.
McBrine then made an immediate impact, dismissing Clive Madande for a golden duck on the very next ball. McCarthy later wrapped up the innings in the 72nd over by having Tendai Chatara caught behind.
Ireland were relieved of a potentially tricky start to their innings when a fresh downpour interrupted play and cut short the first day.
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