More matches against the associates

[Jemisi]

But surely we have to play down some of the time, we are always keen to play up, which means we are expecting NZ, WI, SL etc to play down.

[foreignfield]

When (and as long as) Ireland have their full team available they're an even match for Zim, especially in home conditions and particularly in limited overs. In a five match ODI series played in Belfast and Dublin I'd make the Irish slight favourites.

And talking about facing challenging bowlers: Rankin and Dockerell will probably end up in England colours, and Afghanistan have a guy (or a couple) who send them down at 90 mph.

Zim are not going to improve their standing in world cricket by keeping other kids off the play-ground.

[ZIMDOGGY]

ok ireland in ireland, in an all expenses paid quiet time of the year would be beneficial for zim i agree- even throw in scotland as a warm up.

im ok for the guys playing associates in their spare time but my reservations is it might be of financial detriment to them, which isnt worth it.

beating up a schoolkid isnt worth it if it sends you broke.

[foreignfield]

im ok for the guys playing associates in their spare time but my reservations is it might be of financial detriment to them, which isnt worth it.

Agreed!

[Zimfanatic69]

we need to play more west indies type nations,

we wont ever improve playing scotland...who are as strong as mashonaland

god forgive me but I agree with Zimdoggy, our professional Rugby League supporter, here.

We will not gain by playing against the sweaties, we will only gain by playing the smaller test nations who are better than us. We will not gain by being thrashed by Aussie and England.

If we play games where we will whup the opposition what is the point in that ?

[Zimfanatic69]

ok ireland in ireland, in an all expenses paid quiet time of the year would be beneficial for zim i agree- even throw in scotland as a warm up.

im ok for the guys playing associates in their spare time but my reservations is it might be of financial detriment to them, which isnt worth it.

An economist speaks.

[maehara]

If we play games where we will whup the opposition what is the point in that ?

Ranking points.

[Zimfanatic69]

If we play games where we will whup the opposition what is the point in that ?

Ranking points.

In the overall scheme of things does that really mean owt ?

[samedwards]

Surely, playing some matches, especially in the European conditions where our batsmen struggle, is better than playing no matches at all??? I agree with foreign field. The experience of playing against a full strength Ireland will be invaluable experience for the team. Don't forget nearly everyone in the Irish team plays in the 1st XI for their respective counties. So they will be as formidable, if not slightly stronger, in their home conditions.As many of our bowlers aren't currently being courted by the counties, they will gain the experience of playing in European conditions.

The only problem is finance. Both ZC & Cricket Ireland are cash strapped.

[maehara]

If we play games where we will whup the opposition what is the point in that ?

Ranking points.

In the overall scheme of things does that really mean owt ?

Note the smiley. But to give a serious answer, when initial World Cup / T20 qualifying spots are now decided on the basis of ranking, then I'd be more than happy to game the system a bit & load our rankings by whupping a few minnows.