News

Ireland head coach Phil Simmons believes his side have made enough progress in recent years to start beating the Test playing nations on a regular basis and sees this week’s RSA Insurance ODI series against Pakistan as the perfect opportunity to claim another major scalp.
Ireland will have fond memories of their triumph over Pakistan during the 2007 World Cup but Bangladesh apart, are still awaiting a victory over one of the top ranked countries on home soil despite narrow defeats to England and Australia.

But, Simmons is confident his side can prepare for July’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Netherlands by upsetting the odds against the side currently ranked fifth in the world.

“It’s difficult when you play games at home as we only have a few squad days together in which to gain momentum but we need to show the improvements that we’ve made in recent years.” Simmons said.

“Our improvement is a constant work in progress, and while Pakistan have some unbelievable talent in their ranks, we want to prove that we don’t just beat the major teams in big tournaments.”

“We’re a side in constant progress and these games are important to show how much we’ve come on since the last international team was here.” He added.

With Test status the long-term ambition, Simmons admits the cricketing hierarchy are keeping a close eye on his sides’ performances which he feels brings its own pressures.

“We need to play these games all the time, the more these games are played the more we can measure our progress. The ICC know what we’re capable and it’s important we forget about sending them a message and just start winning games.”

“I think our performances are a little more magnified than the other associate members, so that’s why we have to make sure we perform up to a high standard but we also need to get our priorities right.” He added.

Simmons has a full strength squad to choose from and with several of his key players enjoying a good start to the County Cricket season, the hosts will be in confident mood ahead of the two-game series which starts on Thursday.

“It’s difficult to get the momentum when the guys are only home for a couple of days at a time but the good thing about it is all the guys are playing regularly in England so everybody should be sharp enough.

It’s important that we get together ahead of the Holland games and play some good cricket in preparation and beating Pakistan would be huge going into the qualifiers.” He concluded.

Thursday’s game starts at 10.45am in Clontarf and tickets are still available here

Misbah Ul-Haq Press Conference Thanks to Peter Doherty

Ryan Bailey
Simmons & Porterfield with the RSA Insurance ODI Series Trophy ©INPHO/James Crombie
Yes