The Cricket Thread

**ArdeeBhoy** · 25/03/2012, 12:03 AM

Great stuff. Who cares about the group...

**BonnieShels** · 25/03/2012, 2:23 AM

Stirling was magnificent and despite his erratic play in the beginning of his time at the crease Wilson played well.
Delighted for the lads.

Much happier with a group containing Australia and Windies than India and England.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 25/03/2012, 9:28 PM

Why?

We'll never win the thing...

**nigel-harps1954** · 26/03/2012, 3:37 PM

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Why?

We'll never win the thing...

Not with an attitude like that anyway ;P

**ArdeeBhoy** · 26/03/2012, 8:03 PM

Well not this one;give it a few years/decades.

**BonnieShels** · 26/03/2012, 9:03 PM

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

Why?

We'll never win the thing...

I know.

But I would rather a victory in the group stages at least and I think we could achieve that against the Windies.

**nigel-harps1954** · 26/03/2012, 11:15 PM

Call me crazy, but I'd be strangely optimistic of us upsetting anyone in a 20/20 game. Anything can happen in the short format and I'd fancy Ireland to at least come out of the group and possibly reach a semi final.

**BonnieShels** · 31/03/2012, 12:58 AM

Completely agree Nigel. Barring the opening abominations against Namibia and Italy we are by far and away the best Associate Nation. Id wager now at this stage that we would be better than Zimbabwe and the Bengals.

Training starts back in Monday night. Can't bloody well wait.

**MariborKev** · 02/04/2012, 8:01 PM

A few headed over to it, great trip.

Roll on Sri Lanka.

**nigel-harps1954** · 02/04/2012, 10:16 PM

Would love to make it over to the 20/20 World Cup. The craic would be unreal. Know a few who headed over to the last one and said was absolutely class.

**BonnieShels** · 02/04/2012, 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

Would love to make it over to the 20/20 World Cup. The craic would be unreal. Know a few who headed over to the last one and said was absolutely class.

I wanted to head over to the ODI WC 2007. But never managed it. I did get the Black Bull in Drogheda to put the Pakistan game on the big screen and managed to get the whole bar to watch it and cheer.

Amazing.

**bennocelt** · 03/04/2012, 8:50 AM

Originally Posted by nigel-harps1954

Would love to make it over to the 20/20 World Cup. The craic would be unreal. Know a few who headed over to the last one and said was absolutely class.

Yeah me too, much more into this than the Euros coming up. Seriously going to think about it if I can get the funds, but thats a big if!!!!

**nigel-harps1954** · 04/04/2012, 2:01 AM

Originally Posted by bennocelt

Yeah me too, much more into this than the Euros coming up. Seriously going to think about it if I can get the funds, but thats a big if!!!!

Funny thats the same myself. Not a huge amount of buzz for me toward the Euros but looking forward to the 20/20s.
Would nearly consider going too if I wasn't already going to Australia for Christmas with the lady.

**padjoe** · 16/05/2012, 1:10 AM

IRELAND is ready to compete against the world at Test level.

That is according to Franklyn A Rose, a former West Indies international cricketer, who is based in Auckland.

“They are far more better than lots of teams that are playing test cricket at the moment,” Rose told the Irish Champion.

“I do think it’s time for Ireland to receive test status. Ireland have a lot of world class players. They have proven to the world that could beat any other team on a given day.”

The right arm fast bowler feels former team-mate Phil Simmons is the man to continue leading Ireland on the right track.

“Phil Simmons is the right person for the development role. He has the cricketing knowledge, the skills and not to mention his cricketing background. I think he is a true role model for the future of Ireland’s cricket.”

Rose’s encouragement forcomes following the January declaration by Cricket Ireland chief executive, Warren Deutrom that will be playing Test cricket by 2020.

“I think the ireland cricket board need to put a lot of pressure on the ICC, letting them know that they are ready to compete against the world at test level. Hopefully they will be granted test status soon.” Rose concluded.

Rose made his debut for Jamaica in 1993 against Barbados and first played for the West Indies against India at Sabina Park in 1997. He took 53 wickets in his 19 Tests, returning seven wickets for 84 runs against South Africa in 1999.

Ireland’s desire to reach test status is in part to stem the tide of Irish players using residency rules to switch to playing for England in order to play at full international test match level.

Ireland are currently preparing to play host to Australia and Afghanistan in June and July before beginning their Twenty20 World Cup campaign in Sri Lanka in September.

http://www.irishchampion.co.nz/irela...f-test-status/

**OwlsFan** · 16/05/2012, 4:59 PM

It's just one West Indian backing another I think. I don't believe we'll be granted test status. Ok we might be better than Zimbabwe at the moment but that's about it and we know their issues.. Clontarf isn't test standard either.

**nigel-harps1954** · 16/05/2012, 8:46 PM

Originally Posted by OwlsFan

It's just one West Indian backing another I think. I don't believe we'll be granted test status. Ok we might be better than Zimbabwe at the moment but that's about it and we know their issues.. Clontarf isn't test standard either.

Sure isn't Stormont the main Cricket ground for Ireland? Holds about 6,000 I think, and talk of an upgrade last I heard.

**ArdeeBhoy** · 23/06/2012, 9:41 AM

Malahide is the long-term aim, as a purpose built ground?

Anyway, Stormont beckons with Australia in town.

Gutted so soon after Euros but here's to a better show than Polska or in NZ...