...as the prospect of watching an Irish player compete in the premier international cricket series is compelling. Unfortunately the England selectors haven’t totally embraced Eoin’s maverick style of play in the test arena, and while many international cricket pundits laud his innovative approach to the fast-food versions of modern cricket, it seems the jury is still out on his ability to be an omnipresent on the test stage. Eoin has hardly had a look-in on the Australian tour to date, mainly because the England selectors have stuck with their tried and tested experienced batsmen. Eoin waits on the wings, but with Ian Bell recovered from injury and scoring runs, then it seems his route back into the test team will be as a result of injury or poor form from either Paul Collingwood or Kevin Pietersen.
Morgan isn’t the first Irishman to sit waiting in the wings in Australia, but let’s hope he’s given more chances that Ed Joyce got several years ago on the 2006-7 tour down under. Ed was a late call-up when Marcus Trescothick returned home with a stress-related illness, but although he was in fine form, he didn’t feature in the test series. Fortunately he was given an opportunity in the ODI series with Australia and he performed admirably with almost 300 runs.
It says much for Irish cricket that not only has the Cricket Ireland team established an international awareness through its exploits at Cricket World Cups, but also our two best batsmen have reached the highest level in the 1st Class game. Morgan has taken his opportunity with relish, but there are many people that feel Joyce would have achieved much more had he been given the same opportunity. England’s loss is now Ireland’s gain as the Sussex county player has returned to the fold and he will provide the touch of class needed in the current Cricket Ireland team. It may be winter at home, but in barely two months the Ireland team will be in India for World Cup action once again. In the meantime the Ashes series on television will keep our cricket interest, especially if Eoin gets into the team.
Cricket Ireland will welcome back big Boyd Rankin from injury and hopefully Regan West will also make it after surgery on his shoulders kept him out of action this summer. With Ed Joyce back in the ranks this is the best Cricket Ireland squad ever, and in national coach Phil Simmons we have an inspirational and experienced leader. The squad has a lot to live up to after our 2007 Caribbean fairytale, but being able to compete at the highest level highlights the huge steps made by Cricket Ireland in the past decade.
Until then we will enjoy the Ashes series in Australia and hope that Eoin Morgan gets the nod from the England selectors and gives Irish cricket a further boost even if he’s playing for England.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
