...but in reality it opens the door of opportunity for the next generation and should be welcomed. Trent Johnston, David Langford-Smith, Jeremy Bray and Peter Gillespie have each given Trojan service to the Ireland team in the past five years, but it has come at a huge cost in terms of fitness, lifestyle discipline, time commitment and personal resource. Yes, there has been great personal milestones and a host of unforgettable memories on which to reflect, but it certainly hasn't enriched their bank balances or given their careers any stimulus.
In the harsh world of economics there comes a time when every individual has to put a price on such commitment and it seems this 'over-thirty brigade' has reached its cross-roads and acted with the head and not with the heart. All have exceptional ability and could have easily carried on for a few more years, but at what cost to themselves, and to the development of Irish cricket at the highest level?
Whether some people want to believe it or not, this is a young man's game where total dedication and commitment are basics, and high levels of fitness are obligatory. When Irish coach Phil Simmons put a ban on alcohol during the recent series against Bangladesh he was setting a personal discipline standard that top players have already in place, and banishing a culture that has long been an integral part of Irish sport. But this is 2008 and it matters little if some cricket dinosaurs claim they can handle a few drinks and still perform the following day, because all sports science research says otherwise. This is not club cricket where Saturday night sessions are still an integral part of the local game, this is cricket at the highest level and high standards of personal discipline and fitness are obligatory.
Some critics might argue there's no substitute for experience and to lose so many top players at the same time will have a major negative effect, but in the same vein you don't get experience unless you play so fringe players should step up to the plate and seize the opportunity. And please, let's bury the temptation to go back into the archives and resurrect some players that have already been discarded, because one thing is certain, if they weren't good enough then, they aren't good enough now! Irish cricket has built up an impressive youth team infrastructure and the progression to the highest level should be seamless if the talent has been spotted and nurtured from an early age.
That's not to say there's no place for late developers or 'blow-ins,' or even players that have maintained a high level of personal fitness that belie their age. All players at the highest level of sport should be personally assessed for fitness and health on a weekly basis and cricket chiefs need look no farther than our rugby and hockey contemporaries to see the huge benefits of such a policy. At the end of the day there's no substitute for ability but in the modern game teams can't afford the luxury of carrying lame ducks, especially countries like Ireland that are already underdogs and playing teams of full-time professionals.
Competitive sport at the highest level is a tough business and while those ageless and peerless club stalwarts like McBrine, Curry, and Haire can still continue to ply their talents at club level, understandably they would be ruthlessly exposed at the highest level these days. It's a young man's game so thanks for the memories Trent and Co. and let's give the next generation their chance.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
