Stephen Doheny and Lorcan Tucker positives for Ireland as New Zealand wrap up Test with innings and 79 runs to spare

Stephen Doheny and Lorcan Tucker improved their personal standing in Belfast with half-centuries, but Ireland suffered a heavy defeat by an innings and 79 runs in their one-off Test against New Zealand. Doheny made 57 in only his second Test and used his opportunity as an opener after deputising for the injured Paul Stirling, suggesting he could become a regular. Tucker scored 50 off 70 balls for his fourth Test half-century, while Mark Adair added an unbeaten 44 alongside his earlier 40. Ireland were all out for 232 shortly before tea after Reuben Wilson was dismissed. Andy Balbirnie credited Tucker, Andy McBrine, and Adair, but noted the top order struggled against short-pitched fast bowling and high-quality new ball bowling, alongside limited first-class preparation.

"Both batters scored half-centuries but it was Doheny's 57 in only his second Test that was the more significant as he staked a claim to become a regular opener, having deputised at Stormont for the injured Paul Stirling. The Merrion man must surely have done enough to earn a run in the role and looks to have found the confidence and maturity in his game in the past couple of years to hold onto the position."

"By contrast, Tucker's busy 50 from 70 balls was what we have come to expect from the Pembroke wicket-keeper as he raised his bat for a fourth Test half-century - he also has a top score of 108. Mark Adair chipped in with an unbeaten 44 to go with his 40 in the first innings but was left stranded when last man Reuben Wilson edged slip and Ireland were all out for 232 half an hour before tea."

"Ireland skipper Andy Balbirnie acknowledged the contributions of Tucker, Andy McBrine and Adair in the engine room. "If our top order started getting runs, we'll get some big scores because our middle order has been really consistent. They've shown you can cash in," he said. But if the top order are to start getting runs they need to cope better with short-pitched fast bowling."

"Doheny and Harry Tector both fended off deliveries into the slips - as did nightwatchman Tom Mayes - while Curtis Campher suffered a broken hand from another snorter, and retired hurt. "Facing high-quality new ball bowling is something we're not used to much. But we'll keep trying and hopefully down the line, we will get our rewards," Balbirnie said."

Read at Irish Independent