West Indies legend calls on ICC to make Ireland a Test cricket nation immediately

On the back of Ireland's 'non-shock shock' win over West Indies at the World Cup, one of that side's former greats has called on Ireland to become a full Test nation.

Ireland's hopes of full Test status had a boost overnight when one of the all-time greats of the game called on the ICC to promote Ireland immediately. As it stands, Ireland are poised to have a shot at Test status after the 2017 Intercontinental Cup but Michael Holding believes Ireland should get the nod right now. "Ireland need to be recognised now," Holding is quoted as saying on the BBC. "It's about time. Otherwise they'll keep losing cricketers." The list of cricketers who have left Ireland to join the England Test team is lengthy and Holding believes that will continue until Ireland become a fully fledged Test nation. "If they (Ireland) continue to linger around the lower regions of world cricket they'll continue to lose good cricketers. "[Eoin] Morgan left Ireland to play for England because he saw brighter prospects. England are a Test playing nation and are a world-renowned team." We can only hope the powers that be in the ICC listen to such a respected voice as Holding. The West Indian bowling legend also believes that Ireland should now make the quarter-finals at the World Cup. "I should certainly think (they'll qualify). I think they'll beat Zimbabwe. They have an outstanding chance of going on to the quarter-finals."