Afghanistan v Ireland: Irish ready for multi-format series challenge - Campher

Since his debut in June 2020, Curtis Campher has earned 83 international caps for Ireland.

Curtis Campher says Ireland are ready to "challenge ourselves" in the multi-format series against Afghanistan.

The seven-game series begins on Wednesday with a Test match in Abu Dhabi before three one-day games and three further T20 contests in Sharjah.

Afghanistan won their only previous Test meeting by seven wickets in 2019.

"It can be quite difficult to switch focus between different formats but that's the reality of international cricket," said all-rounder Campher.

"The more you tour and play, though, the easier it becomes in facing those challenges.

"I want to play in all three formats as long as I can - it's an area, as a group, we're trying to challenge ourselves on improving."

The one-off Test will now take place at the Tolerance Oval, next to the main cricket stadium Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi after a venue switch.

Andrew Balbirnie remains skipper of Ireland's Test side despite stepping down as captain on the white-ball teams last summer

Captain Andrew Balbirnie believes that while the change in venue will bring with it "unknowns", the chance to play at a new venue is both "challenging and exciting".

"In terms of the team, I know my XI so hopefully we can go out and express ourselves for the week ahead," said Balbirnie, who stepped down as skipper of Ireland's white-ball teams after the failure to qualify for last year's World Cup but remains Test captain.

"Preparations have been good. We were very fortunate to spend a week in Sevens Stadium and are very grateful to make use of world class facilities.

"Everyone is fit and available which is great going into the first game of a busy year."

After the Test against Afghanistan, the sides will face each other in three ODI matches on 7, 9 and 12 March, followed by the three T20 games on 15, 17 and 18 March.

While the series presents an opportunity to develop the side across all three formats, Ireland will be honing in on preparations for the men's T20 World Cup in June where they'll face world number one side India, Pakistan, Canada and hosts USA.

Campher played in BPL

Campher, 24, who featured for the Chattogram Challengers in the recent Bangladesh Premier League, feels his experience in world cricket will benefit his side going into a busy summer.

"I really enjoyed the BPL this year," the Munster Reds and YMCA all-rounder continued.

"To go back to Bangladesh for a second time for the BPL was great as I've now developed some knowledge of the grounds and a few of the players.

"It's also really enjoyable to play in different conditions, but it has also been great experience as part of my build-up to this series and a block T20 cricket leading into the T20 World Cup.

"Looking at the development of the squad over the last few years, Ireland has been breeding a new, young squad which is now growing a resilience and maturity.

"We're still young but we are quite an experienced squad nonetheless. Hopefully we can continue to grow."