Ireland to face Australia in Belfast one-day game

Image source, bbc

Image caption, Australia captain Michael Clarke clips the ball away in last year's game at Clontarf

Ireland will take on Australia in a one-day international at Stormont on 23 June next year.

The Aussies, who are currently the world number one ODI team, beat the Irish by 39 runs in Dublin last year.

"It's great we're playing Australia on home soil again. We had the chance to beat them last year but let the game slip," said Irish coach Phil Simmons.

"I know just how much that defeat hurt the players, so it's great to get another chance to play them."

He added: "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."

Ireland had reached 80 without loss in pursuit of an Australia total of 231, before James Hopes claimed a five wicket haul to get his side out of serious trouble.

"The players are looking forward to playing against and visiting Ireland again. We had a great visit there last year and eventually won a very competitive game," said a Cricket Australia spokesman.

"The hospitality we experienced was first class and we look forward to bringing high quality cricket to Northern Ireland next year."