...but they learned quickly, and following their last match against Pakistan they can look back with a lot of satisfaction on what they achieved. This squad improved match by match, and while there were terrific bowling performances against Sri Lankaand Pakistan in the Super Eight series, the biggest result was beating Bangladesh in the early exchanges. After that result, everything else was a bonus.
But on reflection what have these performances done for Irish cricket?
In real cricket terms they may not mean a lot, but in the evolving modern game our players have shown once again that they can compete with the best in the world in a shorter format. To rub shoulders with the top cricket nations is one thing, but to be competing with them and in some instances outplaying them, is a monumental achievement for a cricket minnow. The experience gained will go much farther than Twenty20 cricket, as our players have now played against the best players in the current game, and they have benchmarks on the standard required to compete against them. Irelandcraves this type of exposure, and in the absence of test cricket; their only opportunity to play against these teams is in the shorter format of the game. That has to be good for our long-term development.
Another plus was the publicity. It is vital for Cricket Irelandto see our team playing in a high profile competition under the full blaze of global publicity. Even the commentators were won over by the team’s full commitment on the field, and it was interesting to hear them talking so knowledgably about our players as the tournament progressed. Even better, were the rich compliments paid to our best performers, and to the development of Irish cricket in general over the past few years. That was certainly a big advance from 2007 when some television commentators had the audacity to questionIreland’s presence!
However, the biggest bonus was the performance of our leading players. The batsmen were always struggling against some tremendous bowlers, but we were more than a match in the field. Most of the bowlers delivered, and in some instances with great aplomb. OK, so they couldn’t do it every time, but let’s get real, they were up against some powerful strikers in prolific form.
In real terms Niall O’Brien is probably our only world-class player, and in this tournament he was widely praised by the commentators as one of the top wicket-keepers. When you add his batting prowess and his determination on the field, he was the key member in the set-up. Kyle McCallan, Boyd Rankin, Alex Cusack, and Trent Johnston had their moments with the ball, while skipper William Porterfield, John Mooney and Andrew White all had cameos with the bat. Gary Wilson and Paul Sterling did more than we could have expected. However, Jeremy Bray and Andre Botha never got going, and there were at least two run outs that were suicidal at crucial times. However, it would be all too easy to dwell on these negatives, as overall, the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup experience was a tremendous success for Cricket Ireland, so the form of some individual players should be kept in perspective as they gave their all.
Congratulations to all the players, the coaching staff and the management. You did Irish cricket proud and you provided us all with plenty of enjoyment. Finally, how appropriate that big Roy Torrens should be honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in the middle of the tournament.
Thank you, Mam!
Clarence Hiles
Editor
