The associate's thread

[Chris de Burgh]

An interesting article on cricinfo on what 2011 holds for the associate sides.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/review2010/ ... 94601.html

[mikesiva]

that is tragic, Jonah, and it shows why cricket is fast-becoming a sport for only a few countries, with little likelihood of it spreading outside of the current crop of Test-playing countries....

As for Bermuda, I do recall when they were invited to take part in the Caribbean domestic competition (four-day, one-dayers and 20/20s), but they ended up being so comprehensively beaten by the domestic sides that the last time they were invited, they turned it down. It does make you wonder about their commitment to improving, doesn't it? Hence, Canada accepted the invite to the 20/20 tournament, and they did well, so it showed a better mindset than the Bermudans, IMHO.

And Kenya's dismal performance against the Kiwis doesn't help matters. Good link, Koyomi, but I think the article misses one crucial point. Cricket is an extremely minor sport in Kenya, like baseball is in England and the Caribbean, played mainly by a small group of ex-pats and a handful of locals. As long as that remains the case, cricket is going to decline in these countries. And if the ICC takes away posssible places in a World Cup, that removes the one remaining feature that can attract possible players and fans to the game.

[Stroller95]

We had some family over today, and Someone turned on the telly to watch New Zealand and Kenya. After Kenya were rolled for 70, brother-in-law snorted and wondered why they had bothered to come to the World Cup at all. After a five-minute monologue by Someone which touched on the rise of Sri Lanka, Australia's historic record against Zim and Bangladesh, the recent effort by the Bangla Boys against the Kiwis and this latest tosh regarding who is allowed to play at the next World Cup, Someone was left watching the cricket alone.

[Red Devil]

We had some family over today, and Someone turned on the telly to watch New Zealand and Kenya. After Kenya were rolled for 70, brother-in-law snorted and wondered why they had bothered to come to the World Cup at all. After a five-minute monologue by Someone which touched on the rise of Sri Lanka, Australia's historic record against Zim and Bangladesh, the recent effort by the Bangla Boys against the Kiwis and this latest tosh regarding who is allowed to play at the next World Cup, Someone was left watching the cricket alone.

well, at least Someone made a good point

[Red Devil]

Well, the Netherlands certainly made a point today

[mikesiva]

The Irish team is still a formidable one, though....

This is a tribute to the backroom staff at Ireland, including manager Phil Simmons.

[mikesiva]

Well, the Netherlands certainly made a point today

And Ireland made an even bigger point today....

[Aidan11]

Well, the Netherlands certainly made a point today

And Ireland made an even bigger point today....

Or more precisely, 2 big points.

[yuppie]

Well, the Netherlands certainly made a point today

And Ireland made an even bigger point today....

Or more precisely, 2 big points.

On this form Ireland must also have a good chance against WI. They ran BD close as well. Certainly making a good point to the ICC

[GordoninPortsmouth]

Well, the Netherlands certainly made a point today

And Ireland made an even bigger point today....

After today it would be ludicrous if Ire are not given a chance at 2015 World Cup

[Stroller95]

Dileep is on the side of the associates.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/co ... 03934.html

His point about Sri Lanka is well made. They were "let in" during a time when money was less the be all and end all. If they were playing at their 1980s standard today they could be one of those excluded from the next cup.

[yorker_129-7]

I think Ireland are easily the best associate though, by a margin. Anyone who saw the abject capitulations by Canada and Kenya would struggle to make a case for their inclusion. Holland are alright on their day.

I don't see why we can't have the 10 test playing nations (including Zimbabwe) with Ireland and Holland. 12 teams doesn't seem that excessive.

[gollygosh]

Congrats to Ireland! Nice to see them getting a win on the board!

Do we have a format for 2015 yet - cos I think they should be a shoe in to the comp!

[GordoninPortsmouth]

I don't see why we can't have the 10 test playing nations (including Zimbabwe) with Ireland and Holland. 12 teams doesn't seem that excessive.

12 teams is ideal!

[Chris de Burgh]

Canada bowled quite well against Pakistan, it's just a pity that their batting lineup is quite weak and with their best player Davison likely to retire it does not look too good for either Canada or Kenya in the short term. Holland need to bolster a weak bowling lineup but their batting shows promise and the Irish could push zimbabwe or Bangladesh on their day. 12 test teams does sound like a good idea but there's not much chance of the icc agreeing to it unfortunately.