World Cup 2015

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Warm Up game between Ind and Aus ongoing...
it's an official ODI...though after so much cricket why do these sides need a "warm-up"

India's bowling in melt-down and the two most dangerous guys in Aus side Warner and Maxwell get 100s

Looks like Ind will be chasing 375

Oh Ireland, you beautiful country.

Baffled at the review; unless he hit it (and as a batsman, you would know) it was plumb.

guildfordbat wrote:... and now Ireland definitely on top as Dockrell (or 'Docky' as Wilson would chirp!) snares Gayle and Samuels.

JD - Dockrell doesn't seem to have kicked on as much at Somerset in the last couple of years as expected. Injury problems?

That hasn't helped, also some compeition down there now. Waller, the leggie, is a very good T20 spinner and playing a few spinners at Taunton is a risk! And another SLA named Jack Leach became the go to spinner in the 4 day stuff last year too. With Abdur Rehman as the overseas next year, he could struggle to see the field again.

Stirling seems like he loves a pie or two.. He must be mates with Patel.

We need to be playing Tredwelll.

Dockerill is busting through the windies..

Five down! Three for Dockrell!

Sammy 'dropped' first ball!

JDizzle wrote:

guildfordbat wrote:... and now Ireland definitely on top as Dockrell (or 'Docky' as Wilson would chirp!) snares Gayle and Samuels.

JD - Dockrell doesn't seem to have kicked on as much at Somerset in the last couple of years as expected. Injury problems?

That hasn't helped, also some compeition down there now. Waller, the leggie, is a very good T20 spinner and playing a few spinners at Taunton is a risk! And another SLA named Jack Leach became the go to spinner in the 4 day stuff last year too. With Abdur Rehman as the overseas next year, he could struggle to see the field again.

Cheers, JD. I saw Dockrell bowling for Somerset two or three years ago in a CC match at the Oval. He wasn't spinning the ball much but I liked what I saw - a good, thinking cricketer with a steady temperament. He was starting to be spoken of then as another that 'England might try to steal'.

Even if thoughts of England are unrealistic now, I'm sure a few counties would be interested if he and Somerset do decide to go separate ways.

Some rather lovely tunes on the jukebox at Nelson. Excellent work DJ

He signed a new one year contract last year I believe, but if he gets no game time ahead of Reman, Waller or Leach there won't be a shortage of counties who will give him a shot. Still only 22 too.

JDizzle wrote:He signed a new one year contract last year I believe, but if he gets no game time ahead of Reman, Waller or Leach there won't be a shortage of counties who will give him a shot. Still only 22 too.

Ah, yes. Good point. I forgot he was so young when he first appeared.

Max Sorensen would be a great name for a TV detective.

And now McBrine completes his 10 overs for just 26. Very valuable spell. Credit to him and also Dockrell. Dockrell's wickets ensured the West Indies couldn't take liberties too soon and helped keep McBrine's economy rate down.

Sorensen and Stirling suffering a touch as Simmons and Sammy bring up a 50 parnership from 69 balls. Currently 137/5 off 35 as Dockrell returns for his 9th over ...

West Indies getting back into this, Sammy could do serious damage....

Olly wrote:West Indies getting back into this, Sammy could do serious damage....

Yes, Ireland really need a wicket now. 180/5 with 10 overs left. West Indies still have the potential to put another 100+ on the board ...

Neat recovery from the Windies, particularly Darren Sammy.

Fair play to the Windies. They've really taken advantage of the Irish seamers here. Superb from Sammy and Simmons.

Ireland have fallen apart, West Indies paced this recovery expertly.

On the positive side for the Irish, a 295-315 score is not an entirely unrealistic prospect on this wicket, with the conditions in mind.

West Indies finish on 304/7. Brilliant recovery undertaken by Simmons and Sammy. Momentum now with the West Indies and too many I fear for Ireland.

Night, folks.

Well done to the stupendous Simmons and Sammy for that.

It is a good track, but perhaps 25 runs past what is achievable for the Irish?

Ireland appear to be catching Sammy counting his chicken runs.
26 overs in they are over the required rate with just one wicket down

Still a way to go for a shock yet but this does show how limp the windies are currently.

I feel silly for using the word "upset" earlier on. This is no upset from Ireland. They are a good team of smart and talented cricketers.

Ireland have played so well - apart from their last 15 overs bowling when Simmons and Sammy took control. This is almost a textbook reply to a decent total. They should (and will) be able to do this with ease.

Well done Ireland! Just under 5 overs to spare as well.
A couple of late wickets but great batting from Stirling, Joyce and Niall O'Brien.

Fantastic chase from Ireland, but upset probably isn't the right word, don't think anybody is overly surprised at the West Indies losing. The Irish, Zimbabweans and Windies are all fighting for that fourth berth, and Pakistan, if they lose to the Windies may also find themselves in a streetfight

As a side note, it'd a little humorous watching teams clearing 300 and Associates chasing it with five overs to spare. I remember when the rules were changed to four boundary riders, I said that we had cleared (no pun intended) precipice, and bowlers were now nothing more than bowling machines. In reply, I was told that this was in fact a great move, as it would eliminate the presence of part timers, and make the gaps harder to penetrate/singles harder to score....

Well I think it's now safe to say I was right. The ICC were really just trying to create a 50-over home run derby. It's the World Cup, so of course we'll watch, but I don't think this future has too many legs on it. Without the presence of T20, it might have had the desired effect. T20 is present though, so really all we get is an extrapolated, poorer version of 20/20

Also, have to note how unfortunate it is that the minnoes have finally began performing, just as the ICC has given up all hope on them.

Also, have to note how unfortunate it is that the minnoes have finally began performing, just as the ICC has given up all hope on them.

The Loaded Dog wrote:I feel silly for using the word "upset" earlier on. This is no upset from Ireland. They are a good team of smart and talented cricketers.

Ireland have played so well - apart from their last 15 overs bowling when Simmons and Sammy took control. This is almost a textbook reply to a decent total. They should (and will) be able to do this with ease.

It is an upset if you look at their records and rankings. That said its a pretty bad West Indies team playing pretty badly so there was always a sniff, and the Irish are good enough to nick the odd game against the test teams. Its probably one of the best batting performances theyve had chasing what looked a solid target. The late wickets probably flatter the West Indies, Ireland were in a position it wouldve been hard to lose form when they started to tumble.

At least this time the win came in such a fashion (and not against Pakistan) that whilst there might be a whiff of the Windies having no heart theres no question it was an fully earned victory.

I guess its up to Ireland now to back this up in this tournament and for the next 3 years to prove they are better in more than just the odd one off game against these lower teams and crack into the top 8, then they will have their automatic spot on merit. Even if they dont they still have the chance to qualify, again by beating those teams that are otherwise taking their spot. I do feel theres a glass ceiling for them until the game can properly professionalise in Ireland though, and the odd biscuit thrown to them by England isnt going to pay for that.

Brilliant from Ireland!

Not a huge shock result in itself but I am surprised that they managed to chase down a large total with ease. A similar total that they got nowhere near in a warm up vs Scotland.

They bring as much to the game as Zim, Bang and the current Windies. Embarrassing the ICC are trying their best to exclude them from future tournaments

Couldn't stay up for longer than ii hoped.

A good win.

Hope we can push on and get another win.
Not a huge cricket fan, but do enjoy the world cups.

guildfordbat wrote:

westisbest wrote:Great piece of fielding.

make that 2 down.

Hi Westy - pleased to see you've joined the civilised classes on this forum.

Ireland continuing to field well. They're not the eleven greatest cricketers the world has ever seen but they give it everything and I just adore that.

Ha, how things guildford.
Good to have a change from the football board.

Be looking to take the UAE in this group.
Good support again.
Dont mind cricket, be good to see it grow in Ireland.

Some more wins would help.
Always enjoy the 50 over world cups.

The Loaded Dog wrote:Well done Ireland! Just under 5 overs to spare as well.
A couple of late wickets but great batting from Stirling, Joyce and Niall O'Brien.

Exactly. Assuming someone wasn't going to score a big century, Ireland needed three batters to come up with the goods and Stirling, Joyce and O'Brien certainly did.

As others have said, the result isn't a huge surprise. The West Indies' troubles and weaknesses are well documented. However, Ireland still deserve massive credit. Brilliant character and application not to be affected (as to my shame, I feared they would be) by the wonderful rally from Simmons and Sammy.

Earlier I had been very impressed by the team fielding of Ireland. Hugely supportive of their bowlers, especially when the slowies were on. I do suspect Ireland's seamers are always going to struggle in this tournament through their lack of pace but now isn't the time to dwell on that.

Just watched highlights of the Ireland innings on Sky. To finish with a couple of quotes from there:
''The demise of the West Indies continues'' - David Lloyd; and
''A quite outstanding run chase by Ireland'' - Ian Ward.

westisbest wrote:

guildfordbat wrote:

westisbest wrote:Great piece of fielding.

make that 2 down.

Hi Westy - pleased to see you've joined the civilised classes on this forum.

Ireland continuing to field well. They're not the eleven greatest cricketers the world has ever seen but they give it everything and I just adore that.

Ha, how things guildford.
Good to have a change from the football board.

Be looking to take the UAE in this group.
Good support again.
Dont mind cricket, be good to see it grow in Ireland.

Some more wins would help.
Always enjoy the 50 over world cups.

All good, Westy, thanks.

Ireland are almost certainly going to need to beat the UAE but if you do that - and I reckon you should - then you have a strong chance of making the QFs. Zimbabwe won't be easy either but at the moment they're like Burnley - everyone likes them but they haven't got any points!

I would fancy Zim to beat Windies - Zim were impressive against South Africa.

So Zim vs Ireland is a huge game and I think that will decide who the fourth quarter finalist is.

VTR wrote:I would fancy Zim to beat Windies - Zim were impressive against South Africa.

So Zim vs Ireland is a huge game and I think that will decide who the fourth quarter finalist is.

VTR - certainly no argument with that although I don't think anything is like clear cut in this group.

Although I don't think the West Indies will reach the QFs (and to be fair, as we discussed, I said that well before they lost to Ireland), they still have the raw power and capability to beat one of the more fancied nations which could further complicate permutations.

guildfordbat wrote:

VTR wrote:I would fancy Zim to beat Windies - Zim were impressive against South Africa.

So Zim vs Ireland is a huge game and I think that will decide who the fourth quarter finalist is.

VTR - certainly no argument with that although I don't think anything is like clear cut in this group.

Although I don't think the West Indies will reach the QFs (and to be fair, as we discussed, I said that well before they lost to Ireland), they still have the raw power and capability to beat one of the more fancied nations which could further complicate permutations.

That's a fair point. Pakistan in particular could have one of their real off days and then the Windies are capable of beating them. Or Gayle gets going vs. anyone. Its definitely the more interesting group of the two.

Credit to you, Guildford. You have called the Windies being pipped by Ireland. I think the Windies should still pull through, as of now. They've got the firepower to beat one of the Tier Is, and no guarantee Ireland beat Zimbabwe.

I'm still not happy about a reality where 300 has been scored in every first innings, and it gets chased down in 45.... but that's the game we live win now

Cheers, Raf. I was though doubting Ireland and my earlier prediction at the half way stage.

I agree with you about ''no guarantee Ireland beat Zimbabwe''. However, I feel Ireland will recognise that as well. In a way, that's a part of their strength which may work to their advantage. They are a very calm and level headed bunch who don't get ahead of themselves. They rarely produce true individual brilliance but as a team they nearly always do most of the basics correctly and with complete commitment. I would have thought a coach's dream.

Irish captain makes winning start to the World Cup. Well done Eoin... Oh wait wrong team.

Great win for Ireland. Though the game wad going to slip away from them after they took the fifth West Indies wicket but they batted well.

Just ashame cricket is so 'closed shop' at the top and the 'associate' nations aren't able to develop more. If only the ICC had someone like Sepp Blatter in charge.

Not sure three wins will guarantee Ireland getting through. I can see the West Indies taking wins if the other top nations in their group.

Zimbabwe couldn't quite do it yesterday, but we have the first upset of the WC today. And its my favorite associate side who have gone and done it. Going by the West Indies level of performance of late, it can be questioned whether this fits in as an upset as such, but its a huge huge win for Ireland!.
Will the ICC stop acting stupid now at least? Ireland should play test cricket rather than acting as supply ground for English poachers who have already started contemplating Docrell for their deprived spin department!. The power group of India, England Australia wouldn't want it, but if the West Indies can continue to play test cricket, if Zimbabwe and Bangladesh are test playing sides, Ireland should any day play test cricket.
It will be funn if they can take down a couple more 'elite' sides.......

And by the way, now on top of the 4 300+ totals, now we have a double 300 game as well. What the hell is happening!? The only possibility of a 300less day seems to be a possible 400+ game!. This game is going to the dogs I tell you!.

msp83 wrote:Zimbabwe couldn't quite do it yesterday, but we have the first upset of the WC today. And its my favorite associate side who have gone and done it. Going by the West Indies level of performance of late, it can be questioned whether this fits in as an upset as such, but its a huge huge win for Ireland!.
Will the ICC stop acting stupid now at least? Ireland should play test cricket rather than acting as supply ground for English poachers who have already started contemplating Docrell for their deprived spin department!. The power group of India, England Australia wouldn't want it, but if the West Indies can continue to play test cricket, if Zimbabwe and Bangladesh are test playing sides, Ireland should any day play test cricket.
It will be funn if they can take down a couple more 'elite' sides.......

Agree with what you say.

They first need a first class system. The ICC can be a pain, and it could be argued that the Lankan FC system is a rather loose use of the word... but it's a fair enough threshold. Absolutely no way you can build a test team of any sort without a FC system

All Ireland have to do to qualify is get ranked above these sides they are "more deserving than" is to beat them more often than they lose to them.
If and when they manage that then they can feel hard done by if they dont get a spot.

As it stands this is still an outlayer result. They havent beaten another of the test sides in 4 years (13 games), and have recent loses to both Scotland and Afghanistan.

They are good for the odd scalp but really its no great scandal if they dont make the next world cup by not being as good as the sides who do make it.

Dave Richardson said that there were only 8 or so "truly competitive" teams; after watching Aus, NZ, Ind and now Ire win in matches which could hardly be described as "competitive", with SA-Zim the only game somewhat in doubt halfway through the 2nd innings, I am wondering who these other 2 competitive sides are...

Frivolities aside, an important win for Ireland which does nothing to assuage any fears that the West Indies may very shortly become a former entity (although I am not as sure as most that that would necessarily be a bad thing). In fact, apart from the late over bash from the likes of Sammy, Simmons and Russel, Ireland looked comfortably the better team. Nobody should be really surprised by this.

Hopefully still one in the eye for all those who have been quite so patronising about the A&A sides, even on these boards.

As for the test cricket conundrum, frankly any side who wants to should be allowed to play test matches. What should really happen is multiple divisions so that matches actually mean something. This can happen in parallel to bilateral agreements to avoid the issue of "but what if Aus and Eng are in different divisions? what happens to the ashes?". But that's another argument.

The issue with that though is that they simply don't play as much cricket as the teams immediately ranked above them. It's not a fair comparison. I think Ireland are pretty close to Bangladesh and Zimbabwe already (although, Zimbabwe have made some great strides in the last year or so). If they start getting one or two bilateral series, and England don't mind throwing them a triangular series or two, then it's a fairer idea.

Blatter for all his flaws is hell bent on making sure the world cup is the world cup. You get the sense that if he could, he'd make it a 204-nation tournament. If the ICC had its way, I suspect the world cup would be a six team tournament structured to ensure the big three are on every day.

msp83 wrote:Ireland should play test cricket rather than acting as supply ground for English poachers who have already started contemplating Docrell for their deprived spin department!

In an otherwise good comment this stood out. We are hardly poaching Ireland's players as they choose to learn their trade in County Cricket, then it is a natural progression for them to play for England if they are good enough - it offers access to significant financial awards as well as the top level of competition. The players involved will be well aware of the choices they are making - no poaching necessary

Well done Ireland. Not an upset, just an expected victory, of which the challenge was made greater after a slip-up.

The path to the quarter-finals are now free of major obstruction.

Well, if you ignore the fact that Zimbabwe aren't going to be push overs and that the West Indies are still capable of beating a major nation... then I suppose I can see how you'd think Ireland have a clear path to success

I think it is likelier that Ireland will finish 3rd than 5th, in perfect honesty.

They might, they really might. They might also finish fifth, or even sixth. It's an interesting group.

Chris Gayle has become an absolute joke of a cricketer in anything longer than T20. Ridiculous that he is in the side.