Australia to play Ireland in ODI in 2012

Ireland and Australia will play in a one-day international next year, Cricket Ireland has said. The two sides will square off at the Civil Service ground at Stormont in Belfast on 23 June, 2012.

"We are delighted to welcome Australia to Belfast in 2012 after their exciting RSA Challenge ODI against Ireland in Dublin 2010," Warren Deutrom, Cricket Ireland's chief executive, said. "Although opportunities to find space in the Future Tours Programme are rare against the world's leading teams, it is apparent that Cricket Australia is committed to ensuring that the top Associates, like Scotland and Ireland, have a chance to test themselves against the best and help us to improve.

"Off the field, the visit of such teams gives a massive boost to the profile of the sport, delivers a terrific return on investment to our valued partners and a wonderful day out for our fans."

Ireland lost to Australia by 39 runs in Dublin in 2010 and Phil Simmons, the Ireland coach, said the game was a good chance for his players to try and get one back. "We had a wonderful opportunity to beat them in Dublin last year but let the game slip," Simmons said. "I know just how much that defeat hurt the players, so it's great to get another chance to play them. As a coach and a player, these are the sort of fixtures that you thrive on, and with the backing of the crowd in Belfast, we've a genuine chance of pulling off another famous win."

A Cricket Australia spokesman also welcomed the chance to play Ireland in Ireland again. "We had a great visit there last year and eventually won a very competitive game. The hospitality we experienced was first class and we look forward to bringing high quality cricket to Northern Ireland next year."