Balbirnie Praises Curtis for Outstanding Achievement and Dedication

After a challenging Test match in Dhaka, Ireland’s captain Andy Balbirnie expressed pride in the determination shown by players Curtis Campher, Gavin Hoey, and Jordan Neill. Despite suffering a 217-run defeat to Bangladesh, their effort on the fifth day was commendable.

Balbirnie Praises Curtis for Outstanding Achievement

On November 23, 2025, Ireland faced Bangladesh in a gripping Test match. The visitors showed resilience, batting for 59.3 overs on the final day. This effort lasted until almost tea when Hasan Murad took two quick wickets. However, Curtis Campher stood firm, finishing with an unbeaten score of 71. He achieved a remarkable milestone by facing the highest number of deliveries by an Irish batter in a Test match’s fourth innings—259 balls.

Key Performances and Skills

During his post-match comments, Balbirnie highlighted Campher’s strong performance, stating, “[Curtis Campher] is someone that is hard to get out when he is in his bubble.” He acknowledged Campher’s strong defensive skills, a trait he demonstrated throughout the match.

The match marked a milestone for Bangladesh as well, with their spinners bowling 100 overs for the first time in a fourth innings at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. This record was significantly influenced by Campher’s persistence at the crease.

Reflections on the Match

• Balbirnie noted the disappointment over the inability of the top and middle order to contribute effectively.
• He praised the fighting spirit demonstrated by his team, particularly on the last day.
• Despite their efforts, Bangladesh’s skill and experience ultimately secured them a 2-0 series victory.

Balbirnie also commended Gavin Hoey for his growth as an allrounder, recalling his development since taking up legspin during the Covid pandemic. “To have that skill set in such a short time is really impressive,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for more overs to ensure Hoey’s further improvement.

Challenges and Future Goals

The Irish team entered the match with high expectations after a series of positive performances. However, Balbirnie noted the need for improved consistency, particularly from the top order, which struggled in the series. He acknowledged the skill shown by Bangladesh’s batters, who managed to compile significant scores, highlighting the differences in experience and execution between the two teams.

Despite the outcome, Balbirnie sees promise in his squad and believes they can build on this experience. “We have to manage our expectations,” he remarked, urging his players to learn from the challenges faced in this series.