World Cup debutants Ireland will rely on their big-hitting batsmen to steer them to respectability in the Caribbean.
World Cup Team Watch
DUBLIN: World Cup debutants Ireland will rely on their big-hitting batsmen to steer them to respectability in the Caribbean after their bowlers came under fire at the recent World Cricket League (WCL) in Kenya.
In that tournament, they were on course for a famous victory over the experienced hosts when, after scoring 284-4, they had the Kenyans on the rack at 231-9 with six overs left. But the home side put on 55 for the final wicket to claim an unlikely win.
A tournament record in the WCL, of just one win in five games, was a mediocre return although the Irish recovered some pride by then heading to the Middle East where they crushed the UAE by an innings and 170 runs to reach the Intercontinental Cup final. The stars of the match for Ireland were Eoin Morgan (209 not out, the highest score in Irish cricket history) and Andre Botha (157).
The two left-handers put on 360 for the third wicket as Ireland amassed a huge first-innings total of 531-5 declared.
Ireland’s Australian-born skipper Trent Johnston believes that kind of performance will stand the team in good stead in the World Cup where they have been grouped with the West Indies, Pakistan and Zimbabwe in the opening round.
“In Kenya, we weren’t disciplined enough. But it wasn’t that bad. We lost by the narrowest of margins and in cruel circumstances,” he says. “The World Cup is a different stage.”
Morgan is one of three players who make their living in the English county championship. He’s with Middlesex while fiery wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien is on Kent’s books but is likely to feature for Northants next season alongside right-hand batsman Andrew White.
Ireland play two warm-up games in Trinidad against South Africa and Canada, before moving on to Jamaica, where they will play Zimbabwe on March 15, Pakistan on March 17, and hosts West Indies on March 23.
Trent Johnston, 32, captain
The strapping fast bowler learnt his cricket the hard way in Australia where he turned out for New South Wales in 1998-99 before being dumped due to poor form. He chose to play for Ireland in 2004
Kyle McCallan, 31
The all-rounder made an amazing start for Ireland with a wicket off his first ball and scored a half-century in his very second match. One of the key players for the minnows
Andre Botha, 31
The Johannesburg-born all-rounder learnt his cricket in South Africa before opting to play for Ireland
Jeremy Bray, 33
Like his captain, also grew up in New South Wales. The left-hander is a key batsman for his team
Kenneth Carroll, 23
The Irishman earned a World Cup call despite playing just two ODIs where his highest score was 28. Has yet to show his wares as a leg-spinner in the shorter version of the game
Peter Gillespie, 32
A part of the well-known North West cricket family where a number of Gillespies have played for his home town of Strabane. Has yet to score a run or bowl after four ODIs
Dave Langford-Smith, 30
Another Australian in the Irish ranks who will be leading the pace attack
John Mooney, 25
An all-rounder of promise who bats lower down the order
Paul Mooney, 30
Hopes to contribute to the Irish cause after three lacklustre matches
Eoin Morgan, 20
Has played for English county Middlesex, which makes him a player with promise. Recently smashed 209 not out in a match against the UAE, the highest score in Irish cricket history
Kevin O’Brien, 22
The all-rounder has been chosen for the MCC Young Cricketers team. Has a best of 142 in ODIs, a feat not many batsmen in established teams can boast of
Niall O’Brien, 25
Brother of Kevin and the team’s wicketkeeper. Also a useful lower order batsman
William Porterfield, 22
A top order batsman whose average of 78.20 in seven matches shows he will not be a pushover at the World Cup
Boyd Rankin, 22
Played for Ireland in the under-19 World Cup in 2004 and was considered good enough to be offered a contract by Derbyshire for the next English county season
Andrew White, 26
His all-round abilities helped Ireland qualify for the World Cup. Scored 152 on his first-class debut for Ireland against the Netherlands
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