*IRELAND: *It will be a dream realised for Imam-ul-Haq, should he make hisTest debut as expected this week. Growing up and hoping to emulate hisuncle, former Pakistan captain and now chief selector, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Imamwanted to play Tests for his country – even if he did not expect his firstto be in Ireland, *reportedlink>*Cricinfo.

Imam has already played four ODIs, scoring a century on debut against SriLanka last year, and he is set to slot into the top three of the Test side.In two warm-up matches over the past fortnight, Imam, 22, has scored twohalf-centuries – 61 against Kent and 59* against Northamptonshire. Now hehopes to provide some batting fibre in a side that has struggled somewhatsince the retirement of two Pakistan greats last year.

“It’s a very proud feeling,” Imam said. “Everybody knows that Misbah-ul-Haqand Younis Khan have just retired and our young guys have to do a lot ofwork. It’s always good to come and prove a point, and we’re looking forwardto this series. I have been scoring runs in the two four-day matches andthat gives me confidence. I’m very hopeful that I’ll do well in this series.

“Obviously it will be my first Test match, my first pressure match. I willbe very nervous, I won’t lie – that’s what we play for, that’s my dreamsince I grew up, to play Test cricket for your country. I didn’t think Iwould play my first Test match in Ireland, so it’s different but as asportsman you have to be ready for everything.”

Malahide will be the scene for not only Imam’s Test bow, but that of theIreland men’s team. Granted Test status last year, Ireland will welcomePakistan as their first five-day opponents, looking to revive memories ofthe famous 2007 World Cup upset at Sabina Park.