6 reasons why giant-killers Ireland should be awarded Test status
The associate member nation has consistently shown that it can run with the big boys of cricket
PHOTO: AFP
Ireland have been the surprise package of World Cup 2015, notching up back to back wins, including one against the West Indies, and looking strong in their group.
With performances like the one against the West Indies, and the UAE in the World Cup in addition to some unbelievable results in previous editions, Ireland is slowly gaining the reputation of being a 'giant-killer'. It is no surprise then that many are asking why Ireland, which was awarded ODI status in 2006, has not yet been granted a full member status, or better yet, Test-playing status.
We look at six reasons why Ireland should be allowed to play Tests.
1. Chasing a target over 300 runs, thrice
Commentators often point out that 300 is a psychological barrier in cricket for both the team posting it and the team chasing it. Ireland, however, seem to have found a way to overcome this. Of the three World Cups they have featured in, they have twice manged to successfully chase totals upwards of 300 runs.
2. Beating 5 Test playing nations
Since being awarded ODI status in 2006, Ireland have managed to beat five Test-playing nations, including Pakistan, England, Bangladesh (twice), West Indies and Zimbabwe.
Four of these teams were beaten during the Word Cups. Pakistan and Bangladesh were swept aside during the 2007 World Cup, while England tasted defeat at the hands of the Irish in the 2011 edition. West Indies too 2015 were on the receiving end of some Irish magic.
3. Better ODI record than some Test playing nations
Not only have they defeated more Test playing nations than most associate members, they have an ODI record which is equal to if not better than some of Test playing nations.
For instance, Bangladesh has a win percentage of 29.16% in ODIs, which is far below Ireland, who have a win percentage of over 46% in ODIs.
4. Kevin O'Brien
One of the shocks of World Cup 2015 so far has been Ireland beating West Indies. What spurred that victory was Kevin O'Brien who smashed 100 runs off just 50 balls, making it the fastest century by any player in a World Cup match. It is anybody's guess then what he would be capable of in the longer format of the game.
5. Highest successful run chase in World Cup
Not only have Ireland beaten Big Three team England, they did it in some style. In the 2011 edition of the World Cup, Ireland successfully chased a record 323-run target set by England in what was one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.
6. Need for expanding number of Test playing nation
Lets face it, Test cricket consists of only a few select sides who are playing amongst each other. This can get repetitive, hence, there is a need to add new 'blood' to this group.
If the sport of cricket is to shed its image as being played only by a few of nations, it must open up to exciting prospects such as Ireland
With performances like the one against the West Indies, and the UAE in the World Cup in addition to some unbelievable results in previous editions, Ireland is slowly gaining the reputation of being a 'giant-killer'. It is no surprise then that many are asking why Ireland, which was awarded ODI status in 2006, has not yet been granted a full member status, or better yet, Test-playing status.
We look at six reasons why Ireland should be allowed to play Tests.
1. Chasing a target over 300 runs, thrice
Ireland overcame West Indies total of 305 runs in one of the shocks of the tournament so far. PHOTO: REUTERS
Commentators often point out that 300 is a psychological barrier in cricket for both the team posting it and the team chasing it. Ireland, however, seem to have found a way to overcome this. Of the three World Cups they have featured in, they have twice manged to successfully chase totals upwards of 300 runs.
2. Beating 5 Test playing nations
Ireland beat Pakistan during the 2007 World Cup PHOTO: AFP
Since being awarded ODI status in 2006, Ireland have managed to beat five Test-playing nations, including Pakistan, England, Bangladesh (twice), West Indies and Zimbabwe.
Four of these teams were beaten during the Word Cups. Pakistan and Bangladesh were swept aside during the 2007 World Cup, while England tasted defeat at the hands of the Irish in the 2011 edition. West Indies too 2015 were on the receiving end of some Irish magic.
3. Better ODI record than some Test playing nations
Ireland seems to have Bangladesh's number having beaten them twice, and boast a better win percentage. PHOTO: AFP
Not only have they defeated more Test playing nations than most associate members, they have an ODI record which is equal to if not better than some of Test playing nations.
For instance, Bangladesh has a win percentage of 29.16% in ODIs, which is far below Ireland, who have a win percentage of over 46% in ODIs.
4. Kevin O'Brien
Kevin O'Brien now holds the record for the fastest century in a World Cup match. PHOTO: AFP
One of the shocks of World Cup 2015 so far has been Ireland beating West Indies. What spurred that victory was Kevin O'Brien who smashed 100 runs off just 50 balls, making it the fastest century by any player in a World Cup match. It is anybody's guess then what he would be capable of in the longer format of the game.
5. Highest successful run chase in World Cup
PHOTO: AFP
Not only have Ireland beaten Big Three team England, they did it in some style. In the 2011 edition of the World Cup, Ireland successfully chased a record 323-run target set by England in what was one of the biggest shocks of the tournament.
6. Need for expanding number of Test playing nation
Ireland won against UAE making their case stronger for progressing into the knockouts of World Cup 2015. PHOTO: AFP
Lets face it, Test cricket consists of only a few select sides who are playing amongst each other. This can get repetitive, hence, there is a need to add new 'blood' to this group.
If the sport of cricket is to shed its image as being played only by a few of nations, it must open up to exciting prospects such as Ireland