Ireland bid to give Birrell victorious send-off

IRELAND are determined to shake off the effects of an untimely virus to give coach Adrian Birrell the “send-off” he deserves for overseeing their surprisingly successful World Cup campaign.

The Irish conclude their Caribbean adventure with their last Super Eight match against Sri Lanka at Queen’s Park today — and captain Trent Johnston is preparing his team for a performance to make Birrell proud.

The South African coach will be in charge for his last Ireland match, safe in the knowledge that their victory over Bangladesh on Sunday – as well as a famous group success against Pakistan — has won them the honour of being included in the International Cricket Council’s one-day rankings.