13 Days to World Cup 2015
Ireland : Team Analysis
Ireland have done enough in the last two editions of the World Cup to instil hope among their supporters. This World Cup is their big chance to move a step higher than what they presently are at- a minnow with great potential.
The composition of the squad, especially the bowling unit, has changed quite a lot from the last World cup. The inspirational Trent Johnston has retired and they lost Boyd Rankin to England.
The bowling attack is now basically a bunch of medium pace bowlers who can keep things tight and pressurize the batsman to commit mistakes. The only real variety in their bowling attack is the guile and discipline of left-arm spinner George Dockrell. Dockrell is one of the finest in the world, if we consider young spinners. He can plan a batsman’s dismissal and even in this age of swashbuckling ODI cricket, he can buy wickets, literally.
The batting on the other hand is quite strong. Porterfield, when on song, can intimidate any attack at will. His opening partner Paul Stirling can be a merciless butcher and the duo is one of the most dangerous opening combinations in this edition of the World Cup. The O’Brien brothers need no introduction. Niall is the man to go when all others find it difficult. He can build an innings ably and is a perfect foil for the other more ambitious middle order batsmen.
The man Ireland will look for consistency in this World Cup is Ed Joyce. Joyce was in Bradmanesque form during the last County season and Ireland will hope he continues in the same manner, even while donning the green jersey.
Ireland’s fielding has always been good and while they are on the field they do show that determination can indeed lead to excellence.
Ireland have a realistic chance of winning three matches in this World Cup. They are expected to beat the struggling Zimbabwe and the inexperienced UAE. Their opening fixture against the West Indies can well end up being a cracking contest and none should be really surprised if the team in green manages to emerge victorious at the end of it. The other matches will be tough for them. But they have shown us in the past that they have always had belief in their own capabilities and when a team possesses that, they can achieve great things.
It will be a surprise if they manage to go past the first round but with Ireland you just never know…An Alex Cusack might bowl an unbelievably economical spell. A Paul Stirling might make people remember a Sanath Jayasuriya. A certain Kevin O’Brien might score a century off fifty balls…
Ireland can afford to dream. They can afford to dream big. They may fail. They may fail badly. But one thing is for certain- they will never go down without a fight.
Squad : William Porterfield (captain), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andrew McBrine, John Mooney, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien (wk), Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson (wk), Craig Young, Max Sorensen (Murtagh's replacement), Tim Murtagh (injured)
Batting and bowling potential charts indicate the percentage contribution of each player in the team.
Key Batsmen : Paul Stirling, Kevin O'Brien, Ed Joyce
Key Bowlers : Craig Young, Max Sorensen, Alex Cusack
Big Hitters : Paul Stirling, Kevin O'Brien, John Mooney
Most Experienced Player : Kevin O'Brien
Darkhorses : Stuart Thompson, Craig Young
Team Average Age : 27 years
Oldest Player : Ed Joyce (36 years)
Youngest Player : Andrew McBrine (21 years)
Ireland will be playing two warm-up games against Scotland and Bangladesh at Blacktown Olympic Park Oval, Sydney on 10th Feb and 12th Feb respectively.
Fixtures for Ireland in World Cup 2015 :
| Date & Time |
Match Details |
Coverage |
| |
Mon Feb 16
22:00 GMT (prev day)
11:00 local | 03:30 IST |
5th Match, Pool B - Ireland v West Indies
Saxton Oval, Nelson |
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| |
Web Feb 25 (D/N)
03:30 GMT | 13:30 local
09:00 IST |
16th Match, Pool B - Ireland v United Arab Emirates
Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane |
|
| |
Tue Mar 3 (D/N)
03:30 GMT | 14:30 local
09:00 IST |
24th Match, Pool B - Ireland v South Africa
Manuka Oval, Canberra |
|
| |
Sat Mar 7 (D/N)
03:30 GMT | 14:30 local
09:00 IST |
30th Match, Pool B - Ireland v Zimbabwe
Bellerive Oval, Hobart |
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| |
Tue Mar 10 (D/N)
01:00 GMT | 14:00 local
06:30 IST |
34th Match, Pool B - India v Ireland
Seddon Park, Hamilton |
|
| |
Sun Mar 15 (D/N)
03:30 GMT | 14:00 local
09:00 IST |
42nd Match, Pool B - Ireland v Pakistan
Adelaide Oval |
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