Afghanistan, Ireland awarded test status in cricketREUTERS Afghanistan's players are celebrating after their country and Ireland were awarded full test-playing status. By becoming the first countries to receive test status since Bangladesh in 2000, they took the number of test-playing nations to 12. The first tests for Afghanistan and Ireland could be against each other, as early as next year. "It is a reflection not just of our past achievements,'' said Warren Deutrom, chief executive of Cricket Ireland, "but of our potential to grow our great game. "Test cricket is the pinnacle.''

Source: Stuff June 22, 2017 18:56 UTC