The 2015 World Cup will welcome the Associates on Monday, with the figurehead Ireland taking on an embattled West Indies side. Ireland made their first appearance in this tournament just eight years ago, while West Indies are one of the most storied teams in the game. However, in a sign of the shifting fortunes of two cricket nations the winner is not a foregone conclusion.
Since their heroics in the Caribbean in 2007, Ireland have continued to sit atop the second rung of international sides, so much so that they now, in ODIs at least, find themselves in a separate little group alongside Afghanistan with an enhanced position in the rankings. That is crucial for the next World Cup in 2019, but their one focus at the moment is to use this tournament as a base to highlight the folly that the game’s biggest global event is shrinking and the fact they largely continue to be ignored by the Full Members.
There are a few of the ten Full Members Ireland would be confident against and West Indies are certainly among them. Some of their cricket of late has been shambolic, even if they were on the receiving end of a mighty South Africa team on home soil. They do not have their strongest team here and have thrown the captaincy to a rookie; Jason Holder has spoken well, and with pride, but his is a huge task.
They still possess matchwinners, but they have not won many matches of late. The warm-up form was poor; thrashed by England and narrowly holding on against Scotland. As shown in the 2012 World T20, a global event can be lit up by an in-form, joyful West Indies but they are qualities in short supply. And Ireland are a team very capable of taking advantage of another poor day.
Form guide
(last five matches, most recent first)
Ireland LWWLW
West Indies LWLLL
In the spotlight
Three World Cups. Two teams. When Jamaica danced to the tune of the Irish gig, Ed Joyce was playing for England – and not half as enjoying his World Cup experience. By the time of 2011 he was back with Ireland. Now, at 36, the odds suggest this will be his last appearance in the tournament and he has a vital part to play. Rested from the pre-World Cup trip to Australia and New Zealand to recover from a tough English season with Sussex, his form since the New Year has been solid if unspectacular. Ireland’s top order has been flaky of late, they need Joyce to lead from the front.
How long are West Indies going to give Chris Gayle? Perhaps it is a case that there is no one else worth trying, but his one-day form over the last two years is miserable. It is often said that he can come good in an instant – which retains some truth – but there is scant evidence that the 50-over format is where it will happen. It does not appear to stir the emotions for him. The least that Holder deserves is to know that senior figures are giving their all. A few runs would help give that impression.
Teams news
The only decision Ireland need to make is whether it is Craig Young or Alex Cusack to take the final spot. The top seven are settled and full of experience, with the addition of the highly-rated and in-form Andy Balbirnie. Max Sorensen, a late call-up to the squad after Tim Murtagh was injured, has impressed in warm-ups and will start.
Ireland (probable) 1 William Porterfield (capt), 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Ed Joyce, 4 Niall O’Brien (wk), 5 Gary Wilson, 6 Andy Balbirnie, 7 Kevin O’Brien, 8 John Mooney, 9 George Dockrell, 10 Max Sorensen, 11 Craig Young
Given the vulnerability of West Indies’ batting it will be no surprise if they try to stack the order and there is a possibility they will consider a pace-heavy attack without Sulieman Benn, relying on Marlon Samuels to provide the spin. That would be a tough call on Benn, who has been a rare consistent presence in the attack.
West Indies (probable) 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Lendl Simmons, 6 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 7 Andre Russell, 8 Darren Sammy, 9 Jason Holder (capt), 10 Jerome Taylor, 11 Kemar Roach
Pitch and conditions
The pitch has a decent covering of grass but is expected to be good for strokeplay. The ground has only hosted two previous ODIs – of which West Indies played in the first – but three of the four innings have been 276, 280 and 285. The forecast is excellent with a high in the mid-20s.
Stats and trivia
Kemar Roach needs two wickets to reach 100 in ODIs and Dwayne Smith, if selected, will play his 100th ODI
The last ODI hundred by an Ireland batsman was William Porterfield’s 112 against England at Malahide in 2013
Three of Ireland’s likely starting XI – Porterfield and the O’Brien brothers – played in the country’s first World Cup game in 2007 when they tied with Zimbabwe, although on that day they made just 11 runs between them.
Quotes
“Phil’s experience and knowledge of the game is great to have, he knows quite a few of the West Indies players as well but with all the videos around everyone already knows everyone. Phil just adds an extra touch.”
Will Porterfield says that having Phil Simmons as coach is a nice bonus
“We had a series against them and it was pretty good for us. We’ve seen a few of the players over the years and are not to be underestimated but we are very confident. We are upbeat and ready to go.
Jason Holder has respect for Ireland but is not fearful of his team’s chances
