Irish Transport

By Panther Like
February 16 2015

In the final warm up game before we receive the report on the Middlesex/ Irish influence in the World Cup proper, we hear about how this influence bodes well. There is some extra responsibilty for our esteemed reporter and an interesting mode of transport for the Irish team.

The giddiness brought on by the prospect of being able to watch the Irish play twice in one week was summarily despatched at 2pm Thursday afternoon, when opening up the cricinfo app on the phone to see who had won the toss was confronted with the reality that today's fixture was in face a day only game. There'd be no floodlit ambience today! The remaining day's work was dealt with and I was in the car and on my way with haste!

The Bangladeshis had batted first and been knocked over for 189 with what I was to be told late on was a mixture of more disciplined Irish bowling and that typical cavalier approach to batting that seems to dog Bangladesh's progress in the game. They'd done a similar thing in Tuesday against Pakistan. Just a footnote to complete observations from Tuesday if I may: batting under lights in Australia can get some getting used to and the Irish found it difficult as the dew set in and the ball started holding up. Particularly against Haq's excellent spin. Also, the muppets at the ground haddn't gotten the lights on until the start of the Irish innings, leading to some rather tepid lighting for the first 10 or so overs. Interestingly though those overs had Ireland's most fruitful. So there you go.

But back to today. Arriving at the ground I immediately noticed the lack of security and police presence that had outnumbered the Thursday crowd. The crowd itself was roughly the same number; around 500 and just about all under the shade in the western stand. It was quite a warm afternoon! Ireland had lost Stirlo and Porterfield rather cheaply and add Joyce was at the crease with Niall O'Brien. Both were taking their time, as a cat might do with a mouse; but in doing so getting some decent unhurried time in the middle. As it turns out that little period of middle time (I quite like that one) stood them both in good stead given today's goings on in Nelson, NZ. The crowd of almost entirely Bangladeshis were hoping that this meant that the Irish would paint themselves into a sticky corner that might cause some panic in the ranks and lead to a, boil over. That's because the Minnie, the non-test playing nation of the two was for all intents outplaying the other is all facets of the game. And it was with the bat that they looked most dominant. O'Brien was dismissed caught for 5, Wilson bowled for 9. Perhaps the 'taking your time' approach was indeed causing a stumble?

They was a murmur of hope in the stand. However, there would be Balbo. Andy had missed out against Scotland, and this day he was full of intent and had all his talent for shot making in the front window for all to see. Joyce noticed too and allowed Balbo his freedom and the majority of the strike as Andy went about putting the game beyond a scintilla of a shred of doubt. The pair put on a breezy 59 of the next 15. During this time, yours truly had struck up a conversation with the Irish media manager who was impressively taking photos on some sort of fancy long lens camera and texting to whomever at the same time, as well as listening to my prattle and keeping up his end of the conversation! A mate of Fletch too as it turns out. Small world! Ed Joyce's occupation was cut a shade short on 47 caught by Anamul he was visibly disappointed at not having the job through; good to see I thought as there was absolutely no sign that the Irish were happy to be showing a competitive effort. Against a test playing nation. No, they expected to win and win well. Good to see. Balbo was joined by Kevin O'Brien who was not one for the in your own time method, immediately seizing on anything straight or wide or full or short or on a good length. Went after everything in other words and in a blink was on 20. Balbo in the meantime made his way last a majestic 50 and despite losing big Kevin in the final throes recorded a commanding win. 

The media fella said he'd go and get a card from his bag on the other side of the ground and left me there to hold the camera which was mounted on a pole allowing you to take supported photos at a normal standing height. Not sure I was ready for such a responsibility, the camera was probably worth thousands I said to the security fella with some trepidation and held on for dear life! But I somehow managed and we exchanged cards soon after. An excellent improvement across the board to be sure. Phil Simmons was near my side at the end and I said he'd be happy now? The broad grin was enough of a reply. I reminded him of the night he took 4/3 off 10 overs (8 maidens) against Pakistan sometime in the 90s. 'That was years ago!' he exclaimed. There'd be no chance to chat with the players afterwards as the skippers and coaches of both teams were to be choppers, yes a helicopter, would take them to Sydney airport and on to Melbourne to attend the opening ceremony. Really! How much was being forked out for that?! In the way to the car I stopped in and watched the chopper take off. Stood next to a fella who reminded me of a bloke who once played for Zimbabwe. Heath Streak was his name and I found out a bit of what had happened to some of those ex-players such as Guy Whittal. Asked him a bit about Andy Flower as well. Nice bloke big Heath who is now working with Bangladesh in a coaching role.

So: in conclusion I could see that Ireland were going to go close against the Windies and in fact picked them in the office tipping comp. they can go on from here and could well make the quarters. Bangladesh will struggle against the better sides, but should beat the other minnows. Scotland are in a vein of form that could see them win games. Whether they can make the quarters remains to be seen, however they may still be a World Cup away from real competitiveness. I like their team and approach to the game.