Stirling is optimistic that the rate of Ireland’s Test matches is going to speed up appreciably – perhaps even as soon as next year.

“A couple of things just need to fall into place. In the pipeline for next year, there are possibly four to six matches there already.

“I don’t think that’s terribly far away. Funding is always part of the issue.”

But that’s for another day.

In the meantime, all the squad’s attentions are focused on taking on a Zimbabwe side which sits one place above Ireland in the Test rankings in 10th position.

The Chevrons have not played a Test since February last year when they were beaten 1-0 by West Indies in a two-game series in Bulawayo and their last victory in the long format came against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi three years ago.

Full in the knowledge that rain has ruined many an Irish cricket occasion, Stirling joked that he has “15 weather apps” on his phone to check the forecast for this week.

“We’re prepared to go on and off [the field]. Sometimes it interrupts your flow as a batsman and suits the bowlers a little bit but we’re ready and used to that.

“I think it’s going to be sunny spells with lots of cloud around and hopefully no snow!”