Ireland's Test bow delayed by persistent rain

The first day in Test cricket for Ireland's men fell foul of some thoroughly Irish weather as play at Malahide was abandoned without a single ball being bowled. After several inspections, umpires Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth eventually called things off shortly after 3pm: Ireland thus achieved the dubious distinction of becoming the first team to have the opening day of their maiden Test washed out.

The anticipation in north Dublin quickly gave way to the realities of the game in this part of the world in May, with rain throughout the day meaning the covers barely had a chance to be removed. A poor forecast was fully realised - hail fell at one point - but blue skies reappeared later in the afternoon and the outlook is better from day two onwards.

It is understood that Cricket Ireland have spent Euro 1m to stage the country's first men's Test. Ticket-holders were due to receive a 100% refund - around 5000 of the 6300 capacity had been pre-sold - and, alongside the hit to food and drink sales, the washout is likely to come at a significant financial cost for Ireland, even accounting for insurance payouts.

The miserable conditions did not allow time for a toss, with those in the ground retreating to covered marquees for an early opportunity to sample the Guinness while the players were left to kick their heels, some venturing out to speak to the fans. The abandonment meant Pakistan have now lost three full days out of nine to bad weather since arriving in England for the start of their tour (play was only possible on two days of their warm-up match in Canterbury).

As puddles formed on the outfield, it became clear that Ireland's big moment would be delayed and, after the issues with drainage that ruined an ODI against West Indies in Belfast last summer, they will be praying the rain does not upstage them any further over the coming days.