Little makes 'passionate' Ireland Test cricket promise

Fast bowler Josh Little is "passionate" about Test cricket and will definitely play the format for Ireland in the future.

Ireland are set to name their squad for a one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Belfast from 25-29 July in the next few days but Little will not be among the players involved. The 24-year-old is one of Irish cricket's hottest properties and his ability to bowl in excess of 90mph would make him an asset to the Irish Test side.

He is yet to make an appearance in the longer format for Ireland, who have played seven Tests since they became a full member of the International Cricket Council in June 2017. Last summer Cricket Ireland defended Little's absence from their side for a one-off Test against England at Lord's.

Little has prioritised white-ball cricket in his career so far and has become a regular on the global franchise circuit, including the lucrative Indian Premier League. However, he said his "passion has always been playing for my country" and promised to make himself available for Tests at some stage.

"I sort of blocked off this [next] two years as pretty busy franchise-wise, and then after that I’ll be putting an eye on Test cricket," Little told BBC Sport.