The Ireland Question

[Jonathan2305]

By Going through this forum I've come to the conclusion that most (though certainly not all) members don't want to accept the fact that Ireland is currently ahead of Zimbabwe. The last time Ireland played Zimbabwe, they beat them in Colombo by 54 runs even though Zimbabwe played two separate XIs whilst fielding and batting; when Ireland played one in order to treat it as a real game. If Zimbabwe is ahead of Ireland as members of this forum whole heartedly believe, why doesn't the team tour Ireland and play a proper series consisting of 2/3 FC games (or even 'unofficial' tests), 3 ODIs plus T20s? I know for a fact that Ireland has invited Zimbabwe to tour multiple times over the past two years even agreeing to foot the bill (which as we know the Zimbabwean board would usually jump to with their current financial strains) with Zimbabwe declining the invites each time. It's not as if there's an over packed schedule for the men in red, quite the opposite really.

Personally I have nothing against Zimbabwe and have always been a fan of several of their players, but at present I feel Ireland are several steps ahead and are not given enough credit or opportunities to prove themselves. Just curious to know what the members of this forum have to say, and if any of you disagree- why that is.

Cheers
Jonathan

[sloandog]

By Going through this forum I've come to the conclusion that most (though certainly not all) members don't want to accept the fact that Ireland is currently ahead of Zimbabwe. The last time Ireland played Zimbabwe, they beat them in Colombo by 54 runs even though Zimbabwe played two separate XIs whilst fielding and batting; when Ireland played one in order to treat it as a real game. If Zimbabwe is ahead of Ireland as members of this forum whole heartedly believe, why doesn't the team tour Ireland and play a proper series consisting of 2/3 FC games (or even 'unofficial' tests), 3 ODIs plus T20s? I know for a fact that Ireland has invited Zimbabwe to tour multiple times over the past two years even agreeing to foot the bill (which as we know the Zimbabwean board would usually jump to with their current financial strains) with Zimbabwe declining the invites each time. It's not as if there's an over packed schedule for the men in red, quite the opposite really.

Personally I have nothing against Zimbabwe and have always been a fan of several of their players, but at present I feel Ireland are several steps ahead and are not given enough credit or opportunities to prove themselves. Just curious to know what the members of this forum have to say, and if any of you disagree- why that is.

Cheers
Jonathan

Judging by the way we performed in the West Indies, I'd have to agree with you, but I still think Ireland are slightly inferior to Zimbabwe, for the time being. At the rate they're improving it's inevitable that they will go past Zim at some stage

[aydee]

I definitely don't think that it is clear cut that Ireland are ahead of Zim. Clearly Ireland have several excellent players who would walk in to the Zim side, but the same is true in reverse. I am also confident that the depth in Zimbabwe is somewhat stronger. I doubt that Ireland could have (for example) effectively their 4th and 5th choice spinners (both very young) perform as well as Mushangwe and Mutombodzi did in the West Indies. This gap is probably primarily due to the fact that there are currently more full-time pros in Zim, playing regular cricket at franchise level. If the Irish provincial cricket goes well, I would expect this gap in depth to be narrowed (at the very least) in the next few years.

A valuable match to point out would be the Intercontinental Cup match from a a couple of years ago, when a second string Zim side was at least a match for the full Irish team. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that Ireland would probably win at home, as would Zim.

Clearly Ireland have not been treated the same as Bangladesh were 15 years ago, and I for 1 hope they continue to go from strength to strength, until they force the ICC's hand in terms of their status in the international game. Clearly also, Zim and Ireland should be playing each other on a much more regular basis. Ireland have precious few games against higher ranked opposition and usually find the step up too tough. Games against Zim would be much better preparation, and experience, than games against the UAE, for example. Similarly, Zim play very little cricket against sides that they have a realistic chance of beating, and regardless of who you think would win, Ireland are that. In addition, Ireland would also be an excellent destination for the A-tours that the TAPP money has supposedly been earmarked for. ZC and CI should make it happen, and if the conspiracy theories regarding ZC consistently rebutting Ireland are true, that is frankly pretty disgraceful.

[Jemisi]

Ireland's first XI is good, our depth is better. But still your main point stands. We should have to front up to Ireland in home and away fixtures.

[CrimsonAvenger]

I definitely don't think that it is clear cut that Ireland are ahead of Zim. Clearly Ireland have several excellent players who would walk in to the Zim side, but the same is true in reverse. I am also confident that the depth in Zimbabwe is somewhat stronger. I doubt that Ireland could have (for example) effectively their 4th and 5th choice spinners (both very young) perform as well as Mushangwe and Mutombodzi did in the West Indies. This gap is probably primarily due to the fact that there are currently more full-time pros in Zim, playing regular cricket at franchise level. If the Irish provincial cricket goes well, I would expect this gap in depth to be narrowed (at the very least) in the next few years.

A valuable match to point out would be the Intercontinental Cup match from a a couple of years ago, when a second string Zim side was at least a match for the full Irish team. My opinion, for what it is worth, is that Ireland would probably win at home, as would Zim.

Clearly Ireland have not been treated the same as Bangladesh were 15 years ago, and I for 1 hope they continue to go from strength to strength, until they force the ICC's hand in terms of their status in the international game. Clearly also, Zim and Ireland should be playing each other on a much more regular basis. Ireland have precious few games against higher ranked opposition and usually find the step up too tough. Games against Zim would be much better preparation, and experience, than games against the UAE, for example. Similarly, Zim play very little cricket against sides that they have a realistic chance of beating, and regardless of who you think would win, Ireland are that. In addition, Ireland would also be an excellent destination for the A-tours that the TAPP money has supposedly been earmarked for. ZC and CI should make it happen, and if the conspiracy theories regarding ZC consistently rebutting Ireland are true, that is frankly pretty disgraceful.

Could not have put it better.

[Kriterion_BD]

From a neutral point of view...I will state that the difference between Ireland and Zimbabwe is the same as the difference between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Outsiders won't see much difference, but the respective fans will.

Ireland would be competitive at home vs ZIM across formats, just as ZIM are against Bangladesh. Away, all teams would struggle vs the other, owing the drastically different conditions.

That being said, Jonathan, any word on when the Irish board is planning to file for full Test status? Any idea on how much support they have from the full members on this and how much is needed? Does it need to be unanimous with all 10 voting "yes"?

[ZIMDOGGY]

ireland is a normal country with more money and less insane ditators and the game has more hope of surviving there.

i feel zimbabwe didnt grab the chance they were given. SOME hope left.

[tawac]

Is Zimbabwe now allowed to play in the UK? Since when?

[tawac]

Basically Zimbabwe need to play as many games as they can get. We used to play Kenya a lot. But now we havent played them in a for a bit. I see no reason to turn down Ireland.

[Jemisi]

I think Zim can play in UK again.