Stormont to host England fixture

England's Andrew Flintoff celebrates a century against Australia

Stormont is to host Ireland's historic one-day international against England in June 2006.

The Irish Cricket Union's executive have nominated the Belfast venue and it is expected to be rubberstamped by ICC ground inspectors.

The 13 June match will be Ireland's first ever full ODI and the first time they will have played against England.

Qualifcation for the World Cup in 2007 meant a rise to full ODI status and the chance to face Michael Vaughan's team.

"This is a major boost for Irish cricket both in the context of the team and our supporters," said Peter Thompson, chief executive of the Irish Cricket Union.

"It shows how much the Irish team has progressed over the last three years and reward for reaching the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2007 and winning the Intercontinental Cup in Namibia last month.

"A match against England, our nearest Test Nation, has long been the desire of everyone associated with cricket in Ireland and with the success of the current English team the match will certainly be an occasion not too be missed.

"What is also pleasing is that Ireland's first full ODI will be played at home and provide our numerous members, supporters and commercial partners with a major sporting event to attend and long may this continue."