Ireland to Tour Australia, New Zealand as World Cup Preparation

Dublin: Ireland are to play eight games in Australia and New Zealand this autumn as part of their preparations for the 2015 World Cup down under.

A 30 September clash against Queensland Bulls on the Gold Coast is the first of four matches in Australia.

The Irish take on Northern Districts in Hamilton in their opening game in New Zealand on 16 October.

"This is a great opportunity to acclimatise ahead of the competition," said Ireland coach Phil Simmons.

Australia and New Zealand will host the tournament in February and March next year.

Ireland, who will be making their third World Cup appearance, are in Pool B with Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, South Africa, West Indies and United Arab Emirates.

Ireland fixtures

30 September: v Queensland Bulls, Kerrydale Oval, Gold Coast
02 October: v Queensland Bulls, Redlands Oval, Brisbane
07 October: v Comets/NSW 2nd XI, Manuka Oval, Canberra
09 October: v Comets/NSW 2nd XI, Manuka Oval, Canberra
16 October: v Northern Districts, Seddon Park, Hamilton
18 October: v New Zealand XI, Seddon Park, Hamilton
21 October: v Canterbury, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln
23 October: v Otago, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

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