Updated ICC men’s Test team rankings after New Zealand trounce Ireland

Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra tonned up in the first innings, while Dean Foxcroft was dismissed two short of a hundred on Test debut as New Zealand declared on 490-8. Mark Adair was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts. He went through Tom Latham’s defence to hit the top of the off stump on just the second delivery of the match before also removing Devon Conway.

Adair later had Daryl Mitchell caught behind to reduce New Zealand to 86-4, but Ravindra and Blundell took control, and the visitors never looked back in the match. A whirlwind spell of fast bowling from Nathan Smith had Ireland down to 34-5 before Zak Foulkes made it 38-6. Andy McBrine remained unbeaten on 73 as Ireland were eventually bowled out for 179 and were made to follow on.

They couldn’t overhaul the 311-run deficit and were all out for 222 to lose by an innings. Blair Tickner took a five-for in the second innings after Smith’s six-for in the first. New Zealand will now tour England for a three-Test series, starting June 4.

Latest ICC men's Test rankings after New Zealand beat Ireland by an innings

New Zealand gained one rating point to equal England's 102, but remained fifth in the rankings. Ireland are not part of the rankings as they have not played the required number of at least eight Tests within the three-year cycle. Since June 1, 2023, they have played seven Tests. Afghanistan are not part of the list for the same reason.