Simmons: no-one underestimates new and improved Ireland

IRELAND coach Phil Simmons insists no side in the world would dare take liberties with cricket’s international giant-killers.

With Ashes celebrations still in bloodstreams, England switch to limited-overs mode today at Stormont and have sent a full-strength side no doubt wary of a shock in the one-day international.

They have already displayed their own vulnerability this summer by succumbing to Holland in the World Twenty20 while Ireland reached the second stage of that competition by defeating Bangladesh, one of the two sides, along with Pakistan, they beat in their joyous 2007 World Cup campaign.

Only captain Andrew Strauss has been rested and Simmons said: “I am sure all the full members countries know now, don’t underestimate us when you come to play us.

“Come and play properly otherwise anything could happen – no-one is going to take us for granted any more.”

Ireland lost by 38 runs the last time the two countries met in Belfast three years ago and caused a flutter or two in the 48-run defeat in Guyana during that World Cup.

They are a better outfit now, however, after working at improving the start and finish of both their batting and bowling innings.

Captain Will Porterfield is one of a handful of men in green with county experience and played for Gloucestershire as recently as last night – he top-scored with 47 in a Pro40 defeat to Hampshire.

Porterfield, who was 12th man the last time England were in town, said: “Any chance to play England is a good occasion, and we are looking forward to it. They are obviously on a high after the Ashes.

“I wouldn’t say it is quite a David vs Goliath but we are obviously underdogs preparing for this game.”

Warwickshire fast bowler Boyd Rankin was yesterday ruled out with a groin injury after failing to pass a fitness test.

But former captain Trent Johnston is hoping for a double celebration.

This match represents the Australia-raised all-rounder’s 100th appearance for his adopted nation.

Ireland (from): WTS Porterfield (captain), AC Botha, PR Stirling, NJ O’Brien (wkt), KJ O’Brien, GC Wilson, JF Mooney, AR White, DT Johnston, RM West, AR Cusack, WK McCallan.

England (from): PD Collingwood (captain), RS Bopara, Jl Denly, MJ Prior (wkt), IJL Trott, EJG Morgan, OA Shah, LJ Wright, SCJ Broad, AU Rashid, TT Bresnan, GP Swann, RJ Sidebottom, JM Anderson.