Australia vs Ireland - One-off ODI - Match Preview
Australia has arrived in Ireland to play a one-off One Day International (ODI) at Belfast as part of their ongoing English tour. The match will be played at Civil Services Cricket Club, Stormont on Jun 23.
This will be the first international assignment for the visitors, who will go into the match after defeating Leicestershire last Thursday, with the intention to make the most of it before their first ODI against England on Jun 29.
For the hosts, the match will bring them an opportunity to beat the World’s number one ODI team which will further enhance their ODI credentials while advancing their claims for a Test status.
The Irish have reasons to believe, their team underwent a serious build-up with the inclusion of many accomplished players. The home team does not want to be considered as minnows and their performance in the World Cup 2011 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 was a clear sign for the bright days to come.
The inclusion of many talented county players as well as having Australian expatriates has strengthened their squad. The team has devised a sound strategy for the next World Cup. Facing Australia gives them a chance to the shed the tag of an ‘associate’ and find a place among the major nations of the game.
The match would further help their cause, as it will be followed by a round of 2015 World Cup qualifiers against the visiting http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ireland-c751 in February could be making his Irish debut while, Niall O’Brien has also been recalled into the team.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ed-Joyce-c1417 scored his only international century against Australia at Sydney while playing from England and would have to do the same for his new home side. 19-year-old George Dockrell, a talented left-arm spinner will be someone to watch as he would get his first shot against the Aussies.
Paul Stirling, one of the brightest prospects to come of Ireland in recent years, would ideally be looking to perform well against a top ranked nation in a bid to further enhance his reputation.
It would certainly be a good preparation for the local side to prepare for the World T20 in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 where they will be again facing the tourists.
For Michael Clarke’s men, unlike #http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Thomas-George-Burrows-c93472ag4#, it won’t be like a warm-up match. They know that coming against Ireland won’t be an easy opposition and it will provide them with a good test to prepare for their upcoming series against England.
For Australians, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/George-Bailey-c1480, the Tasmanian batsman is also in a good touch with his brief outing at Grace Road. It will offer useful opportunities to Bailey, who will also lead Australia in the World T20.
The tourists are likely to unleash their impressive pace batteries on the hosts with the youngsters could be leading the pack in preparation for the bigger task ahead.
The weather is not looking good and with the chances of a washout looming large both http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 and Ireland would hope, it would hold-off and not deny them chance to play against each other.
Ireland squad: http://www.senore.com/Cricket/GC-Wilson-c1474.
Australia squad: David Warner, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Brett-Lee-c48419.
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