Ireland apply for Test status

Cricket Ireland have submitted an application to become a Test-playing nation by 2020.

The Irish are currently an International Cricket Council associate member, which means that they are only able to compete in one-day internationals and Twenty20 fixtures.

However, the ICC will now their consider their appeal to take part in all forms of the game.

"We have set ourselves a very clear long-term ambition - to become a full Test nation by 2020, nothing less," said coach Phil Simmons.

"This is not a dreamy aspiration but a real ambition founded on the playing talent being developed on this island, the growing passion and profile of the game here, a sustained and proven track record of achievement on and off the field, and a clear roadmap set out by us for how to get there."

Simmons recently extended his contract until the end of 2013.