LIVE - Ireland v Namibia- First-Class Match - Toss Report
In the Intercontinental Cup, Ireland have won the toss and elected to field first against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Namibia-c2964. The first- class match is played at the Civil Service Cricket Club, Stormont, Belfast, today, September 6, 2011.
The Irish will be led by their explosive all-rounder, Kevin O’Brien, as many of their regular players are missing due to County commitments. Only once before O’Brien has captained his national side, which was in a List A game.
The team news has a few surprises as many have yet to feature for the Irish in any competitive game. With the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Graeme-J-McCarter-c60498 to get
a taste of playing for the national team.
Poynter is the wicket-keeper in the team, replacing Niall, who has been contracted to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Northamptonshire-c824. As for McCarter, he performed exceptionally well in the Under-19s World Cup qualifying tournament.
As far as the bowling is concerned, the hosts have to do without the experience duo of Trent Johnson and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/WB-Rankin-c2785. While the former is out of the clash through injury, the latter like many, is missing the clash due to his commitments with his county outfit,
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Warwickshire-c862.
Playing at home, it will be a good opportunity for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ireland-c751 to make a push for the Test status and perform well in the Intercontinental tournament.
As for the visitors they will be captained by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Craig-David-Williams-c51678 and will be aiming to provide a stern test for the hosts. As for their team news they have left out medium-pacer, Andre Engelbrecht. and off-break bowler, Christopher Coomber from the playing XI.
The match was schedule for July but had to be postponed after Namibian players failed to get their visas.
The main concern for the fans was the weather, as rain was expected. Hopefully for now the sun has been out and all is set for an enthralling days play.
The pitch will offer some bite upfront and the Irish will hope to make full use of the new ball. They have recently played a One-off Limited overs match against a young English opposition, where they were beaten convincingly under the Duckworth/Lewis method.
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