James McCollum will be hungrier than most for runs in next week's one-off Test against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi.

The Waringstown opener has played in six of Ireland's seven Tests since they became a Full Member, but has yet to make a half century despite some encouraging batting displays along the way.

The 28 year-old played ten matches in his debut year of 2019, but has only won six caps in the five years since - four of them Tests.

That's not much cricket for a fully-contracted professional, but the opener has had to live with the label of being a red-ball specialist despite back-to-back fifites in the ODI format against Zimbabwe in 2019 at Stormont.

He has only featured twice in ODI's since, so next week's match and the home Test against Zimbabwe at Stormont in July will likely be his only opportunities to improve on his Test (18.09) and overall average of 18.43.

There will be few better places to achieve that than the flat decks of the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, especially with doubts over Rashid Khan's inclusion after recent back surgery, and fellow spinner Mujeeb, who gave McCollum the worst possible start to his international career - trapping him lbw back in 2019.

“That Afghan attack had Rashid Khan in it who I had never faced before, so I was still pretty nervous about that," said McCollum. "But the good thing about red ball cricket is you've got time to build an innings, time to work your way into a game.

"Rashid got me twice, but the second innings I got some time at the crease to battle through to 39. Sometimes it only takes one or two shots and then all of a sudden you find your flow. That was my memory of that Test debut.”

So, if James compared himself today to the James of 2019, what has changed?

“Good question. Probably more along the mental side of the game. You pick a lot of things up just being around, or being in, the game at a high level for so long. I've been around guys who are playing in competitions all over the world, and playing with some of the best players in the world, and you are learning constantly. We have a pretty strong core batting group within the Ireland set-up and guys you can see a growing confidence in the way we play.

“I suppose I’m also more tactically aware too – in the way I train, prepare and think about the game. Test cricket is a lot more mentally taxing than any other format of the game. From a batting perspective, you need to develop tactical awareness around figuring out how bowlers are trying to set you up, you have to read the fields, you have to be aware of your most likely mode of dismissal and try to negate that, and you’re trying to constantly stay one step ahead of the opposition captain's tactics. So, there's a lot that goes into a game. That’s come with time and experience.

“Finally, I’ve put a lot more emphasis on trying to enjoy the game a lot more. I think when you first came into the team and you're on an experienced squad, you're just so overly eager to do well, and you put a lot of pressure on yourself.

"But over time you realise that that's not going to help you perform well. I'm very lucky to do what I do. You know, everyone's really good friends with each other in the squad - we get to travel the world. You know, it's a pretty incredible thing to do and I used to take that for granted, but I just try to enjoy every moment of it now.”

Ireland have spent the week at the Sevens Ground preparing for the battles ahead, while Afghanistan have been taking on Sri Lanka.

McCollum though is very happy with the quality and quantity of the pitches and facilities on offer in contrast to back home.

“Preparation has been really good so far. We’ve had a weekend to train in first class facilities - 10 grass nets, middle practices, three different pitches. It’s not something we get very often back home, so we’re all mucking in to take full advantage of the opportunity.”

Ireland's Test with Afghanistan gets underway on Wednesday morning at 6am (UK/Ireland).