Balbirnie draws inspiration from Zimbabwe ahead of Bangladesh Tests

Ireland skipper Andrew Balbirnie said on Monday (November 10) that his team will draw inspiration from Zimbabwe as they prepare to face Bangladesh in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from November 11.

Ireland recently played Zimbabwe, who had stunned Bangladesh by three wickets at the same venue earlier this year. Balbirnie said that result offered lessons and confidence as Ireland gear up for the challenge.

"I think, you know, we saw what Zimbabwe did here earlier on in the year, and we had just played Zimbabwe. So, we can look at those performances and take a bit of confidence," Balbirnie told reporters ahead of the opening Test.

While acknowledging Bangladesh's strength at home the Ireland captain felt his side was better placed than before to compete. "I don't think we're going to be favourites in this series, but I think the gap is a bit closer than maybe when we played the last Test match here," he said. "We've got to come out and play good cricket. Whether we're batting first or bowling first, we've got to be very disciplined. I think the guys are just excited about doing that."

Balbirnie added that Ireland weren't overly concerned about pitch conditions in Sylhet. "I never try to get too caught up with the wickets in the days leading up to it. There are a lot of times where I've thought a wicket will do something, and it's done something different," he said.

"They seem to have taken a bit more grass off than what we thought they would, but that's all part of playing away from home - you've no control over the conditions, and it's just about adapting pretty quickly."

Reflecting on Ireland's adaptability in the longest format, Balbirnie said it gave the team confidence going into the series. "I think the three Test matches we've won, two of them have been away from home, so we've been able to adapt pretty quickly to what's put in front of us. And that's what I'm hoping for tomorrow - that whatever we do, bat or bowl first, we'll be able to adapt quickly."