World Cup build-up gathers pace with Scotland clash

IRELAND’S build-up to the World Cup gathers pace today when the national side face Scotland in their opening match of the inaugural World Cricket League in Nairobi.

The six-nation round-robin tournament has been intelligently scheduled by the ICC to give the non-Test playing countries the best possible preparation ahead of the sport’s showpiece event that gets underway in Jamaica in March.

Such is Ireland’s reputation at this associate level, the team coached by Adi Birrell are favourites to reach next Wednesday’s final and, in doing so, also qualify for international crickets first 20 competition to be held in South Africa this autumn.

Captain Trent Johnston is confident of leading the Ireland campaign despite suffering severe bruising to the ring finger on his bowling hand, during a recent training camp in South Africa.

Andre Botha is also available after recovering from an elbow problem and Johnston is upbeat about his side’s chances. He said: “We feel we have made good strides over the past couple of weeks in South Africa and the boys are all chomping at the bit.

“Of course the World Cup is at the back of everyone’s mind but if we think about that too much it will distract from what we’re here to do, which is win a cricket tournament. The game against Scotland, and Friday’s encounter with the hosts Kenya, should provide the key to the tournament with Bermuda, Canada and Holland only expected to make up the numbers.

It may be to Ireland’s advantage that their first game is against their oldest opponents as the Scottish squad are still getting over a particularly nasty bout of food poisoning that struck them last week in Mombassa.

WORLD LEAGUE: Today: Ireland v Scotland, Tomorrow: Ireland v Bermuda, Friday: Ireland v Kenya, Sunday: Ireland v Canada, Monday: Ireland v Holland.