Ireland favourites in the battle of Associate Nations (Preview)

There is no denying the fact that Ireland is the best side among the Associate Nations and boasts off a number of players that shown the talent and propensity to take on the best in the business. After their impressive show in the recently concluded world cup, Ireland are looking to take their game to another level. For that to happen, they need to play against top teams consistently. Unfortunately for them, a rare chance to play against Sri Lanka was robbed off by the rain gods forcing the tri-nation tournament opener featuring the two sides called off without a ball being bowled at Grange Cricket Club, Edinburgh.

Now the chance is lost and their opponents in the second game happen to be another Associate Nation and hosts of the tournament Scotland. The Scottish side that missed the world cup bus comes into this tournament after an impressive show against Netherlands, beating their European counterparts by 2-0 last month.

During those two nations some of Scottish players gave a good account of themselves, none more than Kyle Coetzer and Majid Khan. Coetzer was the star with that bat playing match winning knocks in both the matches and Majid was very impressive with his tight off-spin. Scotland will be keen to put up a good show and make it a point that they aren’t far behind the Irish side. They will have a home crowd to egg them up and should know pitch conditions.

For Ireland, Tuesday’s fixture gives them yet another chance to send a strong message to the rest of the pack that there exists a huge gulf between them and their Associate Nations’ counterparts. And, they have the players to make that a reality.

Young opener Paul Stirling was terrific against strong Pakistan bowling lineup taking them to cleaners during his third ODI century when two teams met in two-match series. For sure, he is going to be a player to watch out for in the Irish setup.

Some of the regulars might be missing in the squad but return of young spinner George Dockrell who missed the Pakistan series due to bad shoulder adds venom to the bowling unit. Fast bowler Boyd Rankin will be upbeat to translate his immense potential into some performance against the low ranked side.

The battle could well be dubbed as battle of Associate Nations, but, Ireland with their experience of playing and winning some matches against big boys in the world cricket holds them in a good stead to overpower the home side. All that, if weather stays dry.

Scotland: Gordon Drummond Capt), Richie Berrington, Kyle Coetzer, Josh Davey, Ryan Flannigan, Gordon Goudie, Majid Haq, Neil McCallum, Calum MacLeod, Gregor Maiden, Preston Mommsen, Safyaan Sharif, Fraser Watts

Ireland: William Porterfield (Capt), Alex Cusack, George Dockrell, Trent Johnston, Nigel Jones, Graeme McCarter, John Mooney, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien (WK), Andrew Poynter, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Andrew White, Gary Wilson.