Irish Cricket 2007

**passinginterest** · 22/05/2007, 12:20 PM

Sounds like a bit of a return to form for the Irish lads. Hopefully the batsmen won't let them down.

**TheBoss** · 22/05/2007, 12:48 PM

This is a great start, we are doing to Canada that Sri Lanka did to us

**Sheridan** · 22/05/2007, 1:01 PM

After a modicum of resistance from Bhatti (22 not out), Canada succumbed for 92, Osinde hoisting Johnston to mid-off, where he was caught by Fourie, enjoying a productive First Class d�but.

Bowling figures:

Langford-Smith 9-1-39-1
Johnston 9.4-4-12-4
Fourie 8-0-31-3
O'Brien 4-3-4-2
McCallan 1-1-0-0

It remains to be seen how Ireland's brittle opening partnership bears up on a seaming wicket. If Canada paid any attention to Bray's dismissals during the World Cup they'll pepper his off stump early on. What odds another duck for Porterfield (surely the only specialist backward point in international cricket?) Either that or a ton...

**Schumi** · 22/05/2007, 1:03 PM

Originally Posted by Sheridan

Either that or a ton...

I doubt he'll get 100 today.

**Sheridan** · 22/05/2007, 1:08 PM

He could, it's a four-day game! Two innings apiece (if necessary.)

**Schumi** · 22/05/2007, 1:26 PM

Doh, I thought it was a one-day competition.

**Sheridan** · 22/05/2007, 2:10 PM

Ireland are clipping along nicely at 56 without loss off 16 overs (Bray 40*, Porterfield 15*)

**passinginterest** · 22/05/2007, 2:14 PM

Sheridan as your the resident expert what do you think is best, maybe try put about 350 on the board and declare the innings?

**Sheridan** · 22/05/2007, 2:29 PM

Depends how quickly they get there, assuming they do. Canada need to win the game outright now because first innings lead (which Ireland will secure comfortably considering they're currently 81/0) is the tiebreaker if the game is drawn. If Ireland can post 400 or so by tomorrow afternoon that would be ideal. They should be looking to bat once, and I doubt Canada will have any more than 300 (at the absolute maximum) in them during their second innings. So 400 should be the target.

**TheBoss** · 22/05/2007, 2:34 PM

I think that 300 would be a decent score, get the Canadians back in, they might post a score of about 250-300, leaving Ireland about 100 to win.

**Sheridan** · 22/05/2007, 2:38 PM

Why risk having to knock off 100 runs? Ireland can bat for the rest of the game and still win the tournament. I think they'll want to win the match for reasons of prestige, in which context 400 and a first-innings lead of 308 would be the optimal score.

90/0 now. Three runs needed to win the game, IMO...

**TheBoss** · 22/05/2007, 2:58 PM

Yes but it is only 4 days not the usual 5, that has to make some difference to the score.

**Sheridan** · 22/05/2007, 3:05 PM

When you've already bowled out the opposition inside two sessions, four days is plenty. Ireland are used to playing three-day games in this competition, the current iteration is the first time it's been played over four days. Anyway, Ireland could yet collapse before declarations come into the equation. I think they're more likely to be bowled out for 330-ish, but that will be plenty.

100 partnership up off 26 overs, they've just resumed after tea. Bray 73*, Porterfield 25*.

**Sheridan** · 22/05/2007, 3:42 PM

Ton up for Jerm'y Bray with a cut through point, his 19th four in a score of 101* which also included a six. Ireland are now 147/0, a record opening stand for the Intercontinental Cup.

**TheBoss** · 22/05/2007, 5:19 PM

Ends at 202

**Sheridan** · 22/05/2007, 5:26 PM

At close of play on day one, Ireland are 250/3. Peter "Past It" Gillespie was the third man out for 18. Bray made 146, Porterfield 54. Morgan and Kevin O'Brien are both unbeaten on 13 at stumps.

**TheBoss** · 22/05/2007, 8:51 PM

Good situation so far, 300-350 is realistically the best total they could get.

Porterfield, I must say is not prolific enough, he has to get some more aggression to improve as a batsman.

**BobtheDrog** · 22/05/2007, 9:03 PM

With Eoin Morgan at the crease and some strong batting to come I can see Ireland comfortably making 500 the pitch is just getting flatter so there won`t be a lot for the canadian bowlers, the forecast is good so hopefully won`t have any rain delays.

I hate to disagree with a fellow drog but Porterfield did exactly what was necessary to my mind Bray was letting loose so he just played a support innings, this isn`t one day cricket he doesn`t need to be going along at a run a ball.

**TheBoss** · 22/05/2007, 10:46 PM

Even in 1 day cricket, he can be very slow.

**Sheridan** · 23/05/2007, 11:38 AM

Canada have hit back before lunch on day two with a hat-trick from Umar Bhatti. Bhatti removed Kevin O'Brien lbw for 35 and then disposed of Andrew White (0), Gary Wilson and Thinus Fourie in consecutive balls. A hat-trick of lbw decisions (and four wickets in five balls) to leave Ireland 303/7 with Morgan unbeaten on 46 (well on the way to another meaningless fifty against crap opposition) and Johnston coming to the crease.