…these setbacks were quickly put into perspective by Ireland’s convincing defeat of the Netherlands. It says much for the team’s resilience that they bounced back from adversity with such style, as their away victory by an innings margin was certainly an impressive result.
Realistically did anyone expect Ireland to beat the powerful Kiwis immediately after they had beaten England in a five match ODI series? After all, these guys have been together for a couple of months and were in prime condition to whip both Ireland and Scotland, an exercise they performed with consummate ease in the three-nation tournament. New Zealand are well aware of the banana skins such matches present to the test nations and having beaten the full strength Ireland team at last year’s World Cup, they weren’t going to go down to an understrength team that included a number of rookies new to this level of cricket. The same could be said for theScotlandmatch. In normal circumstances Ireland would hold their own against a team of similar strength, but with a number of players missing, and the Scots on home soil, the hosts were clearly odds-on favourites to win.
Player availability has played havoc with Ireland selections this year and made it virtually impossible to get the consistency needed to take the team to higher levels of performance. Coach Simmons has had a rough ride with the best players opting to play for county clubs, several high profile retirements, and top players like Jeremy Bray unable to commit to the cause. The spin-off has opened the door for younger players to establish their presence and there have been a number of excellent performances, but their sporadic nature highlights the challenges of young players coming into a weakened team, and expected to produce consistent form from the outset. It is certainly expecting a lot at this level, especially against professional opposition.
The one area of confusion that could be sorted out a lot better is the captaincy. Trent Johnston did a magnificent job in the Caribbean but his ‘retirement’ left the door open for a successor and the two contenders that emerged were Kyle McCallan and William Porterfield. The coach opted for Porterfield but his unavailability at times due to county commitments at Gloucestershire, has raised serious question-marks as to his long-term suitability to the position. AlsoJohnstonhas thrown his hat back into the ring in Twenty20 competition and there are many people in Irish cricket who feel the popular Australian is a better choice if he’s available and in the team. There’s no doubting his credentials and his powerful presence, but age and fitness are against him, and this is certainly not a part-time job.
The other alternative is the consistent McCallan who has been a capable deputy in the absence of both, and who should surely get the job on a permanent basis. Kyle has been a tremendous servant of Irish cricket in the past decade and an automatic choice on the team. He is an astute leader and at the top of his game as a bowler and more than useful batsman. He has maintained high standards of performance, fitness, and commitment, and what more is needed for the captaincy role?
Right now Porterfield appears to be in the driving seat but his inability to fully commit to the Ireland cause makes his position untenable. Certainly play him when available, but to make him captain sends out the wrong messages and weakens the structure of the team. With so much disruption already taking place, surely this is one problem that could be easily solved?
Clarence Hiles
Editor
