The hosts gained Test status in 2000 and are ninth in the ICC Test rankings - five places below Australia.
In 2014 the ICC introduced a pathway for a new side to gain Test status.
Ireland have a stated goal of securing Test status by 2020 irrespective of any new structure.
"The goal of achieving Test status for Ireland was a big thing for me.
Should the associate win, they would gain Test status for four years.
Since Bangladesh gained Test status, cricket arguably has become the most popular sport in the country.
The game against Ireland, in particular, looks important – the team that some feel should not have Test status against the one desperate for it.
"Wouldn't surprise me if the first thing the ACA do tomorrow is start a lobby to bring Zimbabwe back into the fold and give Test status to Estonia".
This was one of the most successful teams in English history – three Ashes wins, No1 Test status, a World T20 cup, a series win in India.
As we made our transition from pearl of the Indian Ocean to war-torn, disaster-prone paradise, our drive for Test status floundered.
He said: "There is nothing I enjoy more than fighting for a cause, and in cricket terms there is none better than obtaining Test status".
