'The buzz you get is special' – George Dockrell excited to face England at Lord's
Ireland, who made their Test debut against Pakistan in May last year, will be facing England for the first time in this format. The Test will serve as preparation for England ahead of their home Ashes series against Australia, which starts on 1 August at Edgbaston.
Last month, Ireland faced Afghanistan in a one-off Test in Dehradun, but the Asian team emerged victorious to secure their maiden Test win. In 2017, Ireland had toured England for a two-match one-day international series. The second game was played at Lord's, in front of a 25,000-strong crowd, and although the visiting team fought remarkably, they were beaten by 85 runs.
Feel very lucky to be the 13th Test player for Ireland. Special moment receiving this cap and joining an exclusive club. pic.twitter.com/Vv5oryM58c
— George Dockrell (@georgedockrell) March 18, 2019
"Lord's is the home of cricket, it's such a special place," Dockrell told the Off The Ball AM radio show on Tuesday, 2 April. "We played there two summers ago, in an ODI, and the Irish crowd there were fantastic, the atmosphere was incredible. It's a very unique stadium, and the whole buzz you get around the place, it is just special."
The 26-year-old believes the Test will be a landmark moment in Ireland's cricketing history, and that they have a good chance of causing a potential upset. "What greater chance to go over and try to beat England at Lord's? You can't ask for more," Dockrell said.
"Growing up, when I was about 16 or 17, the thought of me being able to play a Test match against England, of Ireland playing a Test match against England, at this stage of Irish cricket is amazing."
The Test match will be preceded by an ODI between the two sides in Ireland on 3 May. Ireland captain William Porterfield had also stressed on the importance of big matches such as this that could help his team progress as a Test nation.
"It’s matches like these that players dream about – to play at Lord’s in 2017 in a one-day match was special, but to play a Test will be truly memorable," he had said at the press conference after the announcement last year.
"Test cricket is the pinnacle of our sport, and to compete with the best, you have to play the best ... We will gain the confidence and experience to progress as a new Test nation."