Ireland to host New Zealand and Bangladesh in 2017 ODI tri-series
Ireland coach John Bracewell will face his native New Zealand in next year's one-day international tri-series
Ireland have reiterated their desire to test themselves against the best teams on a regular basis after announcing they will host a one-day international tri-series against New Zealand and Bangladesh next year.
The three teams will play against each other twice in May 2017 with the series helping the Kiwis and the Tigers prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy in England.
Ireland, an associate nation, did not qualify for that competition and have long bemoaned their lack of fixtures against full member teams in-between global tournaments.
"Gone are the days - we hope - of being starved of the matches we deserve," Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom said.
"Rather than getting nine or 10 ODIs in the four years between World Cups, we aim to play at least that number annually.
"For years now, we have been asking for more matches to test our players, to raise the profile of our sport, to bring in new fans, and to attract more investment - but we've always struggled."
Next year's matches against New Zealand will see Ireland coach John Bracewell come up against his native country, for who he played 41 Tests and 53 one-day internationals before coaching them from 2003 until 2008.
Ireland have played just two ODIs against the Black Caps, losing both, while they have won only two of seven 50-over matches against Bangladesh.
