Paul Stirling Becomes Third Ireland Batter to Score Test Hundred

image-lgvvcar5Paul Stirling struck nine fours and four sixes [Sources: Twitter]

Paul Stirling etched his name in the record books for Ireland, becoming the third Irish batter to score a Test hundred for their nation. Stirling scored his maiden Test century against Sri Lanka in the ongoing second Test at Galle in just his fourth red-ball match. 

Resuming his innings on 74 on Day 2, after retiring hurt on Day 1, Stirling struck nine fours and four sixes to reach the landmark in 174 balls. Former Ireland player Kevin O'Brien scored the first Test century for the nation on his debut back in 2018 against Pakistan.


Lorcan Tucker, who scored 80 runs on Day 1, became the second Irish player to score a Test hundred, coming against Bangladesh last month. 

Stirling eventually got out on 103 to Asitha Fernando. Overall, the 32-year-old in four Tests has scored 207 runs at an average of 29.57, which includes one hundred. 

As of writing, Ireland are in a formidable position in the first session on Day 2 of the second Test at 395 for 6, with Curtis Campher and Andy McBrine batting on 59 and 8, respectively.

Sri Lanka leads the two-Test series 1-0, having won the first match by an innings and 280 runs.