New Ireland cricket coach John Bracewell is optimistic ahead of his side's one-day international with England at Malahide.
The former New Zealand player and coach succeeded Phil Simmons as head coach last week and will be given the chance to run the rule over his new side today, should the forecast heavy rain somehow misses Malahide.
Bracewell has already spoken about his desire to help Ireland towards test cricket and he reiterated
"I think it's a great cause to want to be involved in - for any team to strive for Test cricket (status)," the new Ireland coach said.
"Being a condensed populus of cricketers, they have that family atmosphere and camaraderie working towards that cause, and that makes life a little bit easier to deal with.
"But to get continued recognition and respect, you've got to keep winning.
"A lot of these guys are at their physical and mental peak, so they should be performing."
James Taylor will captain England and is well aware Ireland, after a World Cup campaign which was much more promising than England's in relative terms, will provide a stern test.
"We know what a good side Ireland can be," he said. "They showed that in the World Cup, and they were very consistent there as well.
"It's going to be a tough task, and we're under no illusions how tough they really are - especially in their own back yard."
