World Cup team profile: Ireland

2015 World Cup

Cricket365
February 11, 2015

World Cup history

This will be Ireland's third World Cup, having appeared in the last two editions. Their debut in 2007 included upsetting Pakistan, having bowled them out for only 132, and also a hammering of Bangladesh. Four years later, they tipped up England in a remarkable run-chase of 328.

They have left a mark on both tournaments, proved that on their day they can be a serious danger, and have earned the right to be respected.

Best finish: Made the Super 8 stage of the 2007 World Cup.

Squad: William Porterfield (Capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Andrew McBrine, John Mooney, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien (wkt), Paul Stirling, Max Sorensen, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson, Craig Young

Key Batsman: Ed Joyce. In the form of his life after scoring 1398 runs at 66.57 in the 2014 County Championship, with seven centuries. Joyce is a calm, experienced head who has averaged 44.38 in ODIs for Ireland since the start of 2012 – including a century against Pakistan.

Key Bowler: The 22 year-old leaft-arm spinner George Dockrell is already an experienced 22-year-old having played 42 ODIs and three full seasons at Somerset. Dockrell is vital to Ireland's chances with his left-arm spin the main variation in an attack containing right-arm seamers, most of them at medium pace. He has an 51 ODI wickets.

Drinks carrier: The 21 right-arm seamer Peter Chase is probably going with for the experience. He has only played in one previous ODI.

Kit colour: Light Green

Injury concerns: Bowler Tim Murtagh has already pulled out of the squad with injury and was replaced by Max Sorensen. No fresh injury concerns within the camp.

Fixtures: February 16, v West Indies, Nelson, February 25, v UAE, Brisbane, March 3, v South Africa, Canberra, March 7, v Zimbabwe, Hobart, March 10, v India, Hamilton, March 15, v Pakistan, Adelaide