Craig Ervine battling hostility in Ireland

[samedwards]

Some interesting comments there-

Somewhat controversially, maybe, he believes that Ireland are still behind Zimbabwe in the pecking order of world cricket, but that could change.

"They don't play each other that often, while Zim play Bangladesh quite often. I think Zimbabwe will have to tour Ireland and vice versa to get a good idea but I think Zim just have the edge over Ireland at the moment, although playing Test cricket does help," he admits.

"Most of the Irish guys are experienced and it's trying to replace people like Trent Johnston, to keep Ireland's success going, that will be the big test."

But Zimbabwe remains a troubled country and Kyle Jarvis, Zimbabwe's 24-year-old opening bowler, became the latest player to quit international cricket at the weekend. It still came as a surprise to his former team-mate.

"With the Pakistan series coming up, the timing is a surprise but he obviously thinks Lancashire offers him the most secure future," said Ervine.

"With the situation that Zimbabwe is in at the minute it makes it quite tough to go back there and play cricket with all the financial problems and when I was offered a contract in April, after we got back from the West Indies, there were a few issues so I felt coming over here was the best option. I'm lucky I do have an Irish passport which allows me to get over to other places.

"Things aren't going well in Zimbabwe Cricket. They are running at a loss with the tours and there's a lot of work to be done before the 2015 World Cup (when their fourth match is against Ireland in Tasmania) if they are going to move forward."

Ervine's next move is a winter in Australia, where he will meet up with some Zimbabwe friends and play club cricket in Perth before returning to Lisburn where is looking forward to batting on the new pitches at Wallace Park and seeing a continued improvement in NCU cricket.

"Club cricket has improved in the four years, since I was last here.

"You do get the odd wicket where is quite hard for sides to bat on and the Lisburn wicket has been tough this season, but next season the new wickets will be ready. So I will definitely be back."