Ireland is arguably the best of the Associate nations. So, the natural progression would be the chance to play more international matches. In that context, the 2015 World Cup is its biggest chance to stake claim more forcefully.
Its bid to make a significant impression on the world stage will be led by captain William Porterfield, who will be participating in his third World Cup. His experience will be supplemented by Ed Joyce, both of whom have had good county seasons.
In fact, close to 10 of the 15 members have decent county experience, which should stand them in good stead, for the conditions in Australia and New Zealand will present ample assistance to bowlers.
In addition to Porterfield and Joyce, the O’Brien brothers, Kevin and Niall, and all-rounder John Mooney are also appearing in their third World Cup. Kevin, the maker of a famous, belligerent century against England in 2011, and Niall, who is Ireland’s leading run scorer in World Cups with 421 runs at 30.07, will need to come good.
In the bowling department, the retirement of Trent Johnston towards the end of 2013 and the loss of Boyd Rankin to England will hurt. So will right-arm seamer Tim Murtagh’s withdrawal due to a foot injury. The 33-year-old has been one of the most reliable of new-ball bowlers in county cricket and an important member of the Middlesex attack.
“It’s fantastic to be leading Ireland in another global tournament,” Porterfield said recently. “We’ve produced some wonderful performances over the years in World Cups, and there’s no reason why we can't claim further successes in Australia and New Zealand.”
These performances over the years have been giant-killing acts – the victory over Pakistan in 2007 and England in 2011. But for a successful tournament here it certainly needs a third successive giant-killing act and a bit more.
http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/world-cup/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015-slayers-of-giants-ireland-team-preview/article6845558.ece
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