Watch out for the Kiwis
Barbados - Our final game in Guyana against New Zealand was another mouth-watering contest for us and having watched Bangladesh topple South Africa two days previously, our belief in another upset had not weakened.
We knew this was going to be our stiffest challenge to date against a side unbeaten in the tournament, but again if we played to our maximum potential, we would be there or thereabouts come the end.
Losing the toss did not help as the pitches in Guyana have got lower and slower as the game goes on and was a major factor in the Bangladesh win as they wheeled away with three spinners.
Having New Zealand 180-7 was a great effort, but the hitting power of Brendan McCullum and James Franklin took over in the last five overs. We failed to right the wrongs of our last 10 overs against England and again it proved costly. Our bowlers have been magnificent so far but at this level, ‘death bowling’ is judged by inches here and there.
We struggled to get any partnerships in our reply and never gained the momentum to give it a huge push at their total in the last 10. It was a disappointed dressing room afterwards,but we have set ourselves such high standards in all three disciplines that it’s hard to accept defeat no matter which team it is.
I was extremely impressed with New Zealand both on and off the pitch. They are extremely professional and seem totally focused on what they have to do. There is no hint of arrogance, but a togetherness that will give them every chance of succeeding. Don’t be surprised if they claim a berth in the World Cup Final later in the tournament.
It was a long stay in Guyana with only three fixtures in 17 days, but we feel we have learnt a great deal from our time there. Now we have arrived on the beautiful island of Barbados and two interesting fixtures await against Australia and Bangladesh, two sides at either end of the Test and one-day International rankings. They will provide us with very different challenges, but no less exciting.
Australia have been frequent visitors to Ireland down through the years while touring England and perhaps in days past it has been a way for them of getting away from Test match hype. This time round its on the stage where we want to meet them most and the boys are up for the challenge. Many thought we would be back at our day jobs by now, so we have nothing to fear.
Barbados will receive an influx of Irish support, many making their second journey from the emerald isle to the Caribbean after being part of that special Jamaican experience. Lets hope any new supporters can spur us on to something memorable. We will keep believing!
Congrats on a great effort so far in the tournament. As a Scot (disappointed by the early exit!) I have been supporting all the associate nations during the tournament. As for all the comments about them not being worthy of a place, you boys have proved them wrong.
Hope you carry on the good showing til the last game and prove that smaller nations deserve the respect (and not just because we were the only ones to bring a good fan-base along!!).
Good luck against the Aussies!
Complain about this postGreat article and well bowled against New Zealand.
Does the captain or coach not like you or something?
Fristly he bats you down the order when you had proven yourself over the past few years as a middle order player. You then start showing form and rightly you get promoted. But then Johnston bats ahead of you against NZ. Very bizarre, especially when it needed someone to come in and tick the board over with O'Brien.
And to make matters worse. In the post match interview the captain said that you were a seasoned campaigner and he wasn't surprised that you bowled as well as you did. That therefore begs the question of why he doesn't use you more often. When did you last bowl 10 overs for Ireland?
As I said is there an issue with the Captain or Coach?
Complain about this postKeep up the great work lads......Early warning for the Irish Lads..Micky 'stonewall' Gillespie. Is about to start his journey to Bardados..Lock up the rum..
Pass on or best wishes to Peter and the rest of the lads and lets finish on a real high...
Our World cup final is against Bangladesh to see if we can get above them in the table...
Dam another Day of work to be spent in the Strabane Cricket Club roaring on the lads..Bring it on!!!!!
Complain about this postGreat article and well bowled against New Zealand.
Does the captain or coach not like you or something?
Fristly he bats you down the order when you had proven yourself over the past few years as a middle order player. You then start showing form and rightly you get promoted. But then Johnston bats ahead of you against NZ. Very bizarre, especially when it needed someone to come in and tick the board over with O'Brien.
And to make matters worse. In the post match interview the captain said that you were a seasoned campaigner and he wasn't surprised that you bowled as well as you did. That therefore begs the question of why he doesn't use you more often. When did you last bowl 10 overs for Ireland?
As I said is there an issue with the Captain or Coach?
Complain about this postSriLankan Team should be out of the contest as their government violate the human rights.
Complain about this postFrom a Guyanese to all of Ireland;
Your Irish Cricket Team are great Ambassadors of Ireland and we enjoyed their stay Guyana. In fact even our President's wife was seen sporting Ireland team jersey at the last match. You really captured our hearts.
We are glad that you took some of that extra time on you hands to enjoy the sights a little bit and also to visit the orphanage in Georgetown. These little things don't often make the front page news, but I am sure that those little children would remember your kindness for a long time.
Hopefully the ICC would make it possible for Ireland to get better by scheduling more matches with the Test nations, and one day, hopefully soon, you'll whip England...wouldn't that be a hoot!
Best wishes, and hope to see you al again in Guyana. We love you.
Mohamed (Breado)
Complain about this postI'm from the West Indies so naturally I've got to support my team but I have been rooting for Ireland all the time. But I must say that your team shows the passion for the game that is currently not apparent in my side. As long as you keep that passion you guys will have a lot to take out of this tournament whether you go home early or lift the trophy(I've got faith in you guys!). Best of luck for the rest of the tournament. You've captured a lot of hearts!
Complain about this postAnother steady performance good work lads!
I was glad to see you got yourself a couple of wickets against the kiwi's Andrew top drawer sir.
Mohamed (Breado) my friend, forget england these lads have bigger fish to fry. They're focusing their sights on Australia, rightly so. Why aim any lower than the best (of the rest).
Anyhow hope preparations are coming along well and you are having a good build up to friday. Don't forget your bucket of sand, invaluable when facing the Ausies in a damp patch!
Complain about this postGood luck!!!!
Firstly, let me say that the Irish team gave me lots of exciting hours watching you play. Congratulations
As an expat South African I would not be happy if either South Africa or Australia won, they are both arrogant and walk around as if they have the cup in their pockets. New Zealand have been quiet but have played supurbly, I look for them to win the world up
Regards
Complain about this postAndy in Canada
Speaking of Sand...
Matthew Hayden said that the outfield in Antigua was like a beach and I heard Colin Croft said that the outfield at Provident was a bit sandy.
I wonder if The Irish players also felt that way about Providence Ground.
The Guyana coast where the stadium is located is not sandy, however I know that the ICC overseers were the ones who insisted that the outfield be layered a certain way to assist with drainage. Sand and the red loam that you see in pictures were trucked in from other areas.
Breado
Complain about this postWell done, guys! You have tremendous spirit and more talent than you're given credit for. I'm an Oz supporter, but I'm probably going to be a little less-than-fully supporting them when you face them.
Incidentally, any chance you could tell us what Kevin said Niall when he got back to the dressing room?
Good luck for the rest!!!
Complain about this postGood blog again Andrew, am mad jealous of any fellow Irish heading to Barbados to see you all play!
It's great to see the positive attitude the team still has - it speaks volumes for the character of the side that you are taking all the benefits from this wonderful experience. You've given every team at least a few scares, well done, and keep it going.
It's also great to see the warm words from Guyana posted above.
Just one tip for you and the team in Barbados - find out what night is karaoke night at The Watering Hole, a rum-shop on the road out of Bridgetown just where the road to the St Lawrences Gap strip branches off, and head down there - best craic imaginable, Bajans singing magnificently and tourists shaming themselves, and gallons of beautiful Mount Gay rum being downed - heaven!
Complain about this postI'm a Kiwi and a die-hard Black Caps fan (even when they were rubbish!) but i'm turning slightly green ... you guys have given the cricket world (and not just the World Cup) a real shake-up - not just by springing surprises on the 'best' teams but by playing cricket with the sort of attitude and spirit it should be played with - you guys all seem to play for the love of the game and not for ego or paychecks as many others do - even paying your own way apparently! So well done Ireland, you've done everyone in Ireland proud and deserve a ticker-tape parade when you get home! Now i'm off to look at the family tree to see if I can lay claim to any Irish blood ...
Complain about this postHey you guys are making a great effort i love the under dogs I've been to all but one of your games in Guyana it was good fun seeing you guys play! meet some of your Team mates out and about on the town great guys anyhow keep playing great cricket and Best of luck for the rest of the tournament.
PS: Andrew thanks for signing my cap and thank the other guys too!! hope you all enjoyed your stay in Guyana!
Complain about this postYou guys make me proud to be Irish. It's great to see you compete at this level and you are a great advert for the country and the sport. Keep fighting hard and enjoy the trip.
Complain about this postGood article. ANDY, I cannot agree with you more. The tournament is not perfect but South Africa and Australia have been ungrateful guests, slightly uncouth if you may. Complaining about this and that, people places, facilities.
Complain about this postI personally hope Australia goes to the final and gets whipped by the likes of a New Zealand or who knows, England.
whitey,
its great watching yous guys playing aginst the best in the world, even though im GREEN with envy because i have played alongside most of you guys at some stage of the representitive tree,
i wish i had got my arse into gear and went to the windies to wtach you guys!!!
ps- spice, god help the windies once michael and them get out, anyway get back to work at strabane and have her ready for the eglinton lads on the first day of the season!!!
Complain about this postmy teams is aussies and kiwis,i like both the team because i like their players and team spirit
Complain about this postIreland, you played your hearts out!
I had to support NZ, but if there was one team I wouldn't have minded losing to, it was you.
More strength to your arm and I hope this is the beginning of greater things.
Complain about this postCaeth Mille Ful er..um (can't remember how to spell it)
England, oh England. You make me proud to be Scotish!
Good bet would be New Zealand to win both cricket & rugby World Cups.
Complain about this postI'm an England fan (despite the Irish name!) and can only echo the other comments.
Ireland have been the most refreshing thing about this tournament. Nobody has steamrollered them (hope Australia don't change that) and they have shown total commitment in every game.
The catch Trent Johnston took against Pakistan summed it up - flinging himself full length and risking virtual certain injury but making sure he took an amazing catch.
Give the world some fun and beat the Aussies!
Complain about this postwell done so far and hope yous can beat Australia tmorrow!! More peolpe in Ireland are getting into cricket because of how well you all are doing!!
i wish i could of went over dere but unfortunatley i wasnt allowed because of the stupid Leaving Cert!! :( Although i never miss watchin the matches on the tv!! :)
good luck ,
Emma
ps. your very hott!! :D
Complain about this postwell done so far and hope yous can beat Australia tmorrow!! More peolpe in Ireland are getting into cricket because of how well you all are doing!!
i wish i could of went over dere but unfortunatley i wasnt allowed because of the stupid Leaving Cert!! :( Although i never miss watchin the matches on the tv!! :)
good luck ,
Emma
ps. your very hott!! :D
Complain about this postYou can be selfish and say that you're enjoying the ride but the truth of the matter is that the world cup is worse off because of this! Pakistan had one slip on a grassy pitch with conditions heavily loaded against them and they got knocked out - there is no doubt they would've added to the world cup far more than Ireland, who will probably not win a game. In any event, Pakistan vs England, NZ, SA, Australia, Sri Lanka etc. would've been much much better and competetive matches - something this world cup would've used! There is no doubt in my mind that if 1999 and 2003 format was used (2 groups of 6 each), the deserving teams will be in the 2nd round. I think Bangladesh have proven themselves far more worthy, running a lot of teams close and beating India and South Africa!
Complain about this postRA
GET OVER IT!
IRELAND KNOCKED OUT PAKISTAN
END OF STORY!!!!
Complain about this post