Ireland may not be known as a cricket-mad nation, but their one-day international against England, in Belfast, on June 13 is expected to attract huge interest. The Irish Cricket Union has made the match an all-ticket affair, with 6000 available for the Stormont clash.

The chairman of the Irish Cricket Union, Joe Doherty, described the game as "the most attractive prospect in the history of the Union."

"We all know about the fantastic appeal of the Ashes last summer and I have no doubt the visit of England will be one of the highlights of the entire local sporting calendar this year.

"There has been a terrific surge in the interest of cricket but in allocating the tickets we want to keep faith with members who have supported us in less glamorous times. We are also encouraging others to become members and, if they do, there are many benefits given Ireland's busy and attractive commitments now that we have ODI status."

Members and new member applicants will be given the option of buying tickets between February 1 and February 28, after which they will go on sale to the general public.

Special seating will be provided for what's expected to be a capacity crowd and tickets have been priced at £35 / €50, with concessionary rates of £20 / €30 for ICU members and £20 / €30 for under 16s.