Andrew Balbirnie replaces William Porterfield as Ireland's Test and one-day captain

The 28-year-old assumes the mantle in the red-ball and 50-over formats, after Porterfield took charge of of the team 253 times

Ireland have confirmed Andrew Balbirnie as their new Test and one-day captain, replacing William Porterfield.

The 28-year-old has been given the role after playing three Tests, 64 ODIs and 37 T20 internationals for his country.

Porterfield led Ireland 253 times during his tenure including in their maiden Test match against Pakistan and seven World Cups across the 50 and 20-over formats.

Gary Wilson remains the T20 captain following his appointment in June 2018.

Balbirnie's first assignment as skipper comes in January with the three-match ODI series against West Indies, which is followed by three T20Is in the Caribbean.

The Irish then travel to India for a tri-series against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.

“To be asked to captain my country is an absolute honour and one that I am very excited about as we move into a busy new year," said Balbirnie.

^{William Porterfield has led Ireland 253 times}

"It’s a proud moment not just for me but also for my family and everyone who has been there on my cricket journey so far - especially my coaches, teammates and friends at Pembroke Cricket Club.”

"Taking over from our greatest captain will certainly be a hard act to follow but one I’m looking forward to getting into. William still has a huge role to play in this team going forward and I look forward to working with him over the next couple of years.

“We are very lucky that we are entering arguably the most exciting period to be an Irish cricketer, so to be able to lead the guys into this will be a great honour and challenge, and one that I’m looking forward to immensely."

The outgoing Porterfield, 35, added: “It has been an incredible journey, and a fantastic honour to have captained my country over the past 11 and a half years.

"There have been many highs, along with a few lows along the way, but I can honestly say that it has been thoroughly enjoyable. 

"To have been able to lead Ireland out at various World Cups, through to our first Test against Pakistan, and again at Lord’s in the summer, have been but a few of these highlights."

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