After a long spell away from red-ball cricket, the Tigers are back in whites as they prepare for the first Test of their two-match series against Ireland at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. On Monday, the eve of the opener, the Tigers trained in high spirits, soaking in the gentle Sylhet sunshine. Naturally, the cameras found veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, poised to make his 99th Test appearance. The session included with a lively game of football, one even spin-bowling coach Saqlain Mushtaq could not resist. Newly-appointed specialised batting coach Mohammad Ashraful was seen sharing tips alongside outgoing senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin, who maintained his familiar hands-on approach. Meanwhile, pace bowling coach Shaun Tait remained in his element, working closely with his pack of fast bowlers. Photos: Firoz Ahmed

It is the first time that Ireland will play the Tigers in a bilateral series, with matches across all three formats

Former England batter Gary Ballance struck 30 runs on his Zimbabwe debut in a five-wicket Twenty20 victory over Ireland at Harare Sports Club on Thursday.

Finn Allen and Tom Latham scored half-centuries as New Zealand held their nerve to seal a series-clinching three-wicket win against Ireland on Tuesday.

Michael Bracewell's unbeaten century guided New Zealand to a dramatic one-wicket win, with just a ball to spare, in the first one-day international against Ireland at Malahide on Sunday.