Sri Lanka's wish to play more Test cricket has been granted as their home series against Ireland next month will now include two Test matches.

Initially, Ireland’s tour of Sri Lanka was supposed to comprise one Test match and two ODIs but the two teams mutually decided to play a second five-day match and skip the 50-over series.

Sri Lanka are currently in New Zealand for a two-match Test series. The Dimuth Karunaratne-led side suffered an agonizing two-wicket defeat in the opening Test in Christchurch, which knocked them out of the World Test Championship final race.

While the series against Ireland will not be a part of the World Test Championship, it will provide Sri Lanka with some excellent practice ahead of the next WTC cycle.

The five-day games will also be important for Ireland, who have played a total of three Tests in total after being granted Test status in 2017.

Their next three Test assignment will come in the space of two months, with Ireland set to visit Sri Lanka for two Tests and then facing England in a one-off Test at Lord’s in June.

Galle will host the two Test matches between Sri Lanka and Ireland. While the first Test is due to get underway on April 16, the second Test is set to kick-off on April 24.

(With ICC Inputs)