Ireland coach Phil Simmons wore a contented smile after seeing his side dismiss the UAE for 228 on what looks a typically batsman friendly pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

"I'm of course happy with the way most of the day went. The guys haven't played outside for a while, so it's good to see them adapt so quickly to the conditions. We've only had two days in the sun, but the guys look hungry and fit, and that's pleasing because it means they've all been following the training programmes that they've been given"

"We lost it a bit when they put on the partnership, but came back well to finish it off quickly. We'll bat in sessions tomorrow, and see how the game progresses. Of course we'd like four or five hundred, but first we have to pass their score and secure the first innings bonus points. That's our first aim."

On the decision to award 17 year old Paul Stirling his first cap, Simmons explained, "I wanted a genuine opener in the team and that's why he got the nod in selection. I wanted to have a look at him, and I'm sure he'll be in the Ireland set up for quite a while."