SOMERSET will host Ireland in a four-day match at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton in April.

The Irish are using the fixture (April 6-9) to prepare for their first men's Test match against Pakistan in May.

It means that Irish spinner George Dockrell, who spent five seasons at Somerset, will be returning to the County Ground.

He had a major impact in just his second County Championship match for the Cidermen, taking 6-27 in their victory over Middlesex in their first fixture of the 2012 season.

He also took 6-29 against Durham as Somerset finished that season as runners-up.

The following seasons were less successful for him, and at the end of 2015 he was released by the club.

Dockrell told the BBC: "Everyone is buzzing ahead of the historic first Test and this game will be a great help.

"I have some great memories from my time in Somerset and made some great friends.

"It's a wonderful place to play cricket."

Somerset begin their 2018 County Championship season on Friday, April 20, against Worcestershire.