After one of the more dramatic and eventful days of international cricket, Ireland need 250 runs with seven wickets in hand to beat Australia A on the final day at Stormont.

Paul Stirling thrilled his home-town crowd with a brilliant century for Ireland in Belfast but Australia 'A' fought back strongly and are favourites to claim victory on the fourth and final day.

Ireland opener Paul Stirling delivered once again with another brilliant hundred, this time against a very good Australia A bowling attack.

Trent Johnston was delighted to finish with four wickets on a rain affected day at Stormont.

Max Sorensen took four wickets for Ireland in Belfast as the lack of depth in Australian batting reserves was exposed in the early exchanges of a four-day match at Stormont.

Cricket followers often bemoan the lack of television coverage of the Irish team, but for one hour next Tuesday on Setanta Ireland they will have few complaints as a light is thrown on the history of the game in Ireland.