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I see the official 'other' team of ZCF, Ireland just pulled of a tie against Pakistan in Dublin. I watched most of the match on youtube and I have to say Ireland really do not look out of their depth against the big guns of international cricket.

And remember this is not the full-strength team Irish could field. Imagine Morgan, Hamish Marshall, and Boyd Rankin in the mix. Also, one of the regulars, John Money was not playing today.

Guess this will only fuel the fire for their quest for test status ....... Could be a good thing for Zimbabwe at least it will give them another side of similar standard to play against ......

Was watching the match yesterday while Stirling and Joyce were going strong, but thought the pressure would get to them and they would fold later, since they haven't been in this situation too often. But what a knock by Kevin O'Brein, that too, after having been low on form of late. Would have loved if they had won it, but there, the vagaries of DL system again...

jaybro wrote:Guess this will only fuel the fire for their quest for test status ....... Could be a good thing for Zimbabwe at least it will give them another side of similar standard to play against ......

That, unfortunately, might not happen easily, as BCCI might block any attempts to elevate Ireland to test status so as to preserve its majority supprt among full members (Ireland, in all probability might side with the European block)

Let's hope Ireland do get test status. It would certainly help get the balance of cricketing power away from the BCCI and back to where it belongs.

I want Ireland to do well. I have no problems with them as they have some serious talent, especially the home grown bunch such as the Obrian's, Stirling Joyce and Dockrell.

It is frustrating how less crciekt Ireland gets, on the same boat as Zim. Can't we have a bilateral series if India decides to ditch us again next month?

They are becoming the 'Tie-specialists'

eugene wrote:Let's hope Ireland do get test status. It would certainly help get the balance of cricketing power away from the BCCI and back to where it belongs.

That's where the finances come in. Ireland don't get enough money to invite Zim for a tour there, and ZC is incompetent to arrange a tour for them.

Playing Ireland would be great, but yes the funds are the problem. It will probably have to depend upon a cricket following growing in Ireland that is willing to pay to watch and that will raise ad $. That is a good way off.