There’s an end of year feeling to the penultimate article for this year’s Australian season. Next week’s will include a round-up of how Irish players have done over the course of the season.

Ireland coach Graham Ford has accepted there are limitations in certain areas of his squad and a greater strength in depth is required if they are to compete at the highest level.

Ireland must be more ruthless when they get first use of a slow pitch in forthcoming Test matches - so said William Porterfield after his side's seven wickets defeat by Afghanistan in Dehradun.

Afghanistan duly eased to their first Test victory here yesterday, their seven-wicket win over Ireland another landmark on a remarkable sporting journey.
Unlike most lands where cricket was a legacy of British rule, Afghans only picked up the sport in the refugee camps of Pakistan in the 1990s and their rise since has been rapid.

William Porterfield could only look back on what might have been after Afghanistan eased to a seven-wicket victory over Ireland to record their first Test win on a drama-free fourth morning in Dehradun, north-east India.

The final day starts with forgotten tickets, and ends with food and drink in the company of the team and media.

While all eyes were on the Ireland - Afghanistan test, we threw a quick glance at those playing down under this weekend.

There was to be no St Patrick’s Day miracle for Ireland but they have taken their first overseas Test match into a fourth day.

An early night in order to be up bright and breezy for a big third day's play did not go to plan. Our ordered taxi to the ground was an hour late, so we followed the first half hour's play on the iPad at the hotel

I unforgivably neglected to mention on day one the arrival of Ger Siggins and Martha Young, as well as JCD’s partner Mira, who thankfully arrived in plenty of time to see James pick up his first two test wickets. Ger took his usual place in the media centre and Martha joined the supporters in box 9.

West Indies will visit Ireland to play 3 T20Is in May followed by Zimbabwe in July for both 50 over and T20 games.

Ireland's youngsters will be taking on five countries as they attempt to clinch another World Cup berth this summer.

Who were the winners and losers on the recent Wolves tour of Sri Lanka?

Wolves captain Harry Tector hails squad members' progression as team goes down 5-0 in the one-day series versus Sri Lanka A.

Sri Lanka A go 4-0 up in the series with a 202-run victory over Ireland Wolves at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Sri Lanka.

Cricket Ireland has announced the senior women international and Academy squads for 2019 - marking the start of a new era for the sport after what became a watershed year in 2018.

Ireland Wolves captain Harry Tector scored his maiden century in a senior Irish side and shared a record fifth-wicket partnership with Shane Getkate, but it was not enough to defeat a rampant Sri Lankan side in the third 50-over match of a five-match series at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Sri Lanka.

Cricket Ireland has confirmed that James Shannon will return home to Dublin after succumbing to a shoulder injury, with Simi Singh – currently training in India - joining the Ireland Wolves squad as a replacement for the final three 50-over matches of the Ireland Wolves tour of Sri Lanka.

PNG overcome Philippines and Vanuatu to cement qualification spot with PNG captain, Assadollah Vala stating: “The big picture for us is to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup”

Nigeria secured a dramatic, first ever spot in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2020, after they beat Sierra Leone by two wickets, on the final day of the Africa qualifying tournament in Namibia.

Nigeria's young side is one victory away from qualifying for the 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, after yet another commanding performance in the African qualifying tournament in Namibia.

Not content with stunning Namibia on the first day of the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier, Nigeria held their nerve to beat Uganda, and take a big step towards the 2020 World Cup in South Africa.

Ramon Wilmot scored the first century of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier in Windhoek, as he helped the hosts bounce back immediately from a loss to Nigeria on day one.

Nigeria got the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier 2019 off to a thrilling start, as they outlasted hosts Namibia on the opening day.

The latest news of moves and signings in the North West as the season approaches.

After the disappointment of Pat Botha being unable to join up with the Club as Club Pro, due to an ongoing injury, Balbriggan have been boosted by Clint Hinchliffe joining the Club for 2019

After a quiet winter in the North West, there have been a number of personnel changes in recent days with another couple confirmed over the weekend. Stephen Dunn has joined Eglinton having spent the last couple of seasons at Ardmore.

Bready's hopes of retaining their Premiership title have been dealt a severe blow with the departure of Craig Young to North Down.

North Down have pulled off a coup by swooping for Irish international Craig Young to spearhead their 2019 campaign.

Nic Pretorius has confirmed he's re-joining Phoenix after deciding to end his time with The Hills.

Cricket Ireland have confirmed the interpro schedule for the 2019 season.

Tributes have poured in from across the Irish cricketing spectrum following the death of former NCU President and Chairman Billy Boyd.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Cricket Leinster have announced the three teams for the inaugural Hundred Blast League.

The funeral arrangements of Lurgan and NCU stalwart Billy Boyd have been announced.

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

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

Will Perchard, Stan Norman & Charley Webster have joined the Hampshire Under 14 squad for 2019.

This month sees the launch of a new Girls Cricket Academy programme and the return of the Spring Term Cricket Courses, sponsored by Rathbones.

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.