Following his sides record-breaking recent match against Sri Lanka A, Ireland Wolves Head Coach Pete Johnston sat down to discuss the Wolves squad, the tour so far, and the future of Irish cricket.

Double century to Nissanka and maiden first-class century for Karunaratne save Sri Lanka A from last-day defeat

Pathum Nissanka’s 217 is the highest score against an Irish side overseas since Graeme Hick’s famous triple century for the Zimbabwe Cricket Union President’s XI against Ireland in 1986.

James Cameron-Dow claims his second five-wicket haul in successive matches. Sri Lanka trail by 25 runs with 6 second-innings wickets remaining.

A wicket with the last ball completed another satisfying day in Sri Lanka for the Ireland Wolves who take a lead of 409 into the second half of the four-day game.

Cricket Ireland has confirmed revised match dates for the upcoming Ireland v Afghanistan series to be played in India.

Club cricket is back in swing down under, and while a number of the Irish players are now in Ireland or Sri Lanka, several are making their presence felt in Australia and New Zealand this weekend.

Paul Stirling has made a strong start in his opening two games for Khulna Titans in the Bangladesh Premier League, but was unable to stop his team losing both matches.

Few matches over the first weekend of the New Year.

IRISH international Andy McBrine returned home to Donemana last week after spending almost three months playing in Western Australia’s Premier Cricket League.

Ireland Wolves arrived in Sri Lanka ahead of a seven-match series against Sri Lanka A – Pete Johnston and captain Harry Tector spoke about the challenge ahead.

As 2018 draws to a close Irish cricket as it always seems to be, is at a crossroads. However in contrast to many previous years as an Associate, Full membership ensures a varied and full fixture calendar for 2019.

Paul Stirling has been picked up by the Bangladesh Premier League franchise Khulna Titans ahead of the 2019 BPL T20 tournament, starting on 5 January.

Ireland Wolves will play two first-class games on their upcoming tour to Sri Lanka, adding to the rich tapestry of Irish cricketers who have played in foreign parts.

An end of term feeling to this week’s column, as the various leagues wind down for a 2 week Christmas break.

Mark Adair replaces Tyrone Kane who will stay in Dublin to continue rehabilitation work on an injury.

At least four women cricketers will be awarded part-time contracts by Cricket Ireland as preparations begin for an increased number of matches for the team.

Contracts agreed for 16 full-time, with three players on part-time contracts as they are still playing English County cricket.

A small number of part-time contracts will be offered in early 2019, with the plan to expand over subsequent years.

Kevin O'Brien won yet another Man of the Match award to lead his Kathmandu Kings side into the last four of the Everest Premier League in Nepal.

A number of regular names missing this week, as some players return to the Northern Hemisphere, but still plenty of players in action this week down under.

James Shannon may not know who he will be playing his club cricket for next year but there is no doubt what his main objective is for 2019 - a regular place in the Ireland team across all three formats.

Afghanistan are said to be pushing for a change in the date for their Test match against Ireland next year to the start of the tour rather than the end.

Former Irish international Reinhardt Strydom has called time on his cricket career after 18 seasons in Ireland.

CricketEurope statistician John Boomer has just published our latest statszone featuring all 57 T20 internationals played by Ireland Women since 2008.

Cricket Ireland has announced the national Under-15s Boys winter training squad.

Sunday Independent editor Cormac Bourke presented the Aengus Fanning International Emerging Player of the Year award to Una Raymond-Hoey on Friday night.

The Ireland annual awards show is scheduled for Dublin this Friday and the women's international winner will be one of Laura Delany, Cecelia Joyce and Gaby Lewis.

A superb 138 from Lorcan Tucker has kept Ireland A in control of their match against Gloucestershire Seconds.

Cricket Ireland has announced a strong 12-man Ireland Wolves squad for a four-day match against Gloucestershire 2nd XI to be played at Bristol CC.

The Irish Academy won the T20 series against their Scottish counterparts and a Future Stars XI thanks primarily to a series of powerful batting displays.

Ireland U17 skipper Neil Rock hit a brilliant 77 to lead his team to victory in the last match of the Celtic Cup series at Ayr.

Ireland U17s emulated the Under 15 side as they beat Scotland by 15 runs in Ayr to clinch the Celtic Cup.

Half centuries from Tim Tector and Nathan McGuire led Ireland U15s to a series clinching win against Scotland at Oak Hill.

Eleven players from the Leinster Cricket Union, alongside six each from the Northern Cricket Union and the North West Cricket Union, make up the selection under new coach Callum Atkinson.

Mark Jonkman has retired from domestic cricket in The Netherlands.

The draw has been made for the 2019 Scottish Cup, with holders Grange starting their defence with a home tie against Greenock.

Cricket Scotland is delighted to announce the appointment of Shane Burger as Men’s National Head Coach from March 2019.

Scotland has announced a 14 strong squad for their first ever tour to Oman.

Michael English has signed for Ribblesdale Wanderers as their professional, while Joe Kinghorn-Gray has left RH Corstorphine to become the new player/coach at Heriots.

The fixtures for World Cricket League Division 2, set to take place in Namibia in April, have been confirmed.

Aberdeenshire's overseas player Akshu Fernando is in a critical condition after being hit by a train in his native Sri Lanka at the weekend.

The Netherlands have named a very strong squad for the quadrangular competition which will feature the hosts as well as Ireland and Scotland.

The head of Scottish cricket has described 2019 as a “crucial year” for the game north of the border.

Afghanistan to play two matches at the Grange in early May 2019.

The final of the ICC U19 CWC Div.2 - Asia between Kuwait and Oman played at TCG in Bangkok finished in a tie with both teams having scored 131 runs apiece.

t was semi-final day in the U19 CWC Division 2 - in Bangkok and four teams had the chance not only to reach the final but also to qualify for Division 1- Asia and move a step closer to playing in the next U19 World Cup.

The final day of the group stages in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Division Two – Asia Qualifier was a dramatic one as the last three semi-final places were decided.

The fifth day of the Asia Under 19 qualifier saw Saudi Arabia facing Qatar knowing that victory would guarantee them a place in the semi-finals from Group A.

Three times winners and holders Donemana have been handed a home draw against Instonians in the 2019 Ulster Plate competition.

Ballymena have announced the return of all-rounder Kaushik Aphale for the 2019 season.

Waringstown have beaten off stiff competition to collect the prestigious Belfast Telegraph Team of the Year accolade.

Pembroke have confirmed that Barry McCarthy is returning to the club following his release from Durham last year.

Ashwin Shetty is returning to Carrickfergus after spending a season at Muckamore.

Leinster Lightning all-rounder Fionn Hand has confirmed he will be joining YMCA for the 2019 campaign.

Davy Scanlon is one of 12 nominees shortlisted for the 2018 Derry Sports Personality of the Year.

This year's NW Senior Cup decider will take place at Eglinton following a meeting of the Union's Match Allocation Group.

Phoenix have signed Indian all-rounder Poonish Mehta as their overseas player for the 2019 season.

The draws have been made for the Sammy Jeffrey and Qualifying Cups for next season.

The draw has been made for the 2019 Munster Senior Cup.

The North West Umpires & Scorers Association will be holding an umpires training course at Glendermott Cricket Club for three consecutive Sundays starting on 27 January.

I was lucky enough to witness some brilliant innings during the glorious Irish summer of 2018. Here’s my recollection of them, starting with number 10.

Former Ireland Women's Head Coach Stephen Moreton has been appointed Head Coach of Phoenix CC.

Regional and club coaches attended a three hour workshop on Fundamental Movement.

Leinster Cricket Club has announced the double appointment of Jarryd Chetty as its Director of Cricket, and Laura Delany as its Girl’s Head Coach.

Glendermott have announced the signing of Keshan Wijerathne this weekend as the Bonds Street outfit prepares for their impending return to the top flight of North West cricket.

South African all-rounder Pat Botha is the new overseas player for Balbriggan.

Bready have confirmed they have re-signed overseas professional Irosh Samarasooriya for the 2019 season.

The Cricket Ireland board gave the go-ahead this week for an extra round of one-day (50-over) games and, if required, a Twenty20 festival in September, although that will not be confirmed until February.

Waringstown are one of five sides given automatic entry into the second round of the Irish Cup.

NCU Premier League champions CIYMS will have familiar opposition in the first round of the Irish Senior Cup next year.

In Irish Senior Cup holders Waringstown and runners up Merrion have byes into the second round.

The curtain came down on the Munster Cricket season on Sunday with Tipperary County 2 capturing the one outstanding Division 2 title.

THE class rose to the surface on the final day of Ireland’s cricketing summer as Leinster Lightning retained the inter-provincial Cup.

Leinster Lightning skipper George Dockrell cut a proud figure as he posed with another interpro trophy at his home patch of Rathmines.

Skipper Cian Rock led by example as he took four wickets as Rush beat Eglinton to claim the All-Ireland U15 crown.

The Dragons have completed a series victory for the second time in three years despite the final match of the Super 3s being abandoned after the first innings at Clontarf.

The Super 3 series draws to a conclusion at Clontarf when champions Dragons meet the Scorchers in a 50-over clash at Castle Avenue.

Lara Maritz starred with the ball as the Dragons beat the Typhoons in a match which had a distinctly end of season feel about it.

Cork Harlequins tightened their grip on 2nd place in the MCU Premier Division as both Limerick and Co Kerry lose ground.

The NCU levelled their Under 11 interpro series against Leinster when they won a thrilling encounter in Ringcommons.

While Limerick Cricket Club's involvement in the Irish National Cup spans a mere three years, their involvement in the competition reflects the trials and tribulations of their 50 year history.

The NCU clinched their Under 13 interpro series after beating Leinster by 63 runs at Ringcommons on Friday.

Half centuries from Sam Topping and Rory Ellerby helped NCU U13s beat Leinster in their interpro match at Stormont.

Jerseys longstanding scorer, Gina Kearns, is now a certified Level 3 scorer.

Charley Webster has been selected for the Warwickshire Under 14 County age group winter programme.

Josh Lawrenson has been selected for the 2019 Hampshire Academy intake.

Dean Morrison has been appointed Match Manager for the MCC tour to Thailand, beginning on 20 November.

Three Jersey senior squad players are currently developing their cricketing skills overseas.