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Ahead of tonight’s match with the UAE, www.cricketireland.ie spoke exclusively to Phil Simmons and William Porterfield to get their take on the match.
Although the squad were able to plan for a nine-day gap between fixtures, they were less able to prepare for Cyclone Marcia, which his Queensland last week, but Simmons was still happy with the preparation going into the match.

“Preparation has gone well, we had two days indoor and it was very good and then we’ve had two days outdoors was good too so it’s about time we get back on the pitch and I think everybody is just looking forward to tomorrow’s game.

“We’ve been trying to do everything to replicate what we did before the West Indies game, and before every game we’re doing that now, I think we’re getting it right and I hope today was as good as before.”

Despite some slight injury worries in the immediate aftermath of the West Indies game, with both Paul Stirling and John Mooney requiring treatment, Simmons confirmed that everyone is fit and well in the squad.

“Everybody is good and everybody is looking forward to team selection tomorrow and seeing if they are in the team, all 15 are up for selection.”

One of the challenges for Ireland will be playing in such a big stadium, something they rarely get the chance to do, although Simmons is confident the Irish fans will, as usual, help the team out.

“I haven’t played here since it was this closed in so I don’t know what the atmosphere is like but with Irish people supporting their team it’s always going to be a great atmosphere so we just look forward to that.”

Although happy with the start against the West Indies, Porterfield is well aware that the UAE are not to be taken lightly.

“It’s nice to have that win under our belts but we’ve got to start fresh tomorrow and look for another two points and hopefully we’ll be two from two.

“The way they’ve been playing over the last while shows they are very well prepared coming into this competition.

“They acquitted themselves very well in that first games against Zimbabwe so we’re expecting a very tough game tomorrow.”

He was also full of praise for Ireland’s spinners, especially youngster Andy McBrine, who came into the side and performed so well against the West Indies.

“They’ve done fantastically well. To come in, especially Andy in his first World Cup game in this format, I think it was his first ODI against a top eight team, so to come in and handle himself the way he did was great to see.”

One thing touched upon in the pre-match press conference was the different conditions in Brisbane compared to Nelson, but Porterfield showed the team were well aware of what to expect.

“Historically there’s been a bit more pace and bounce here as you tend to expect in Australia and this is one of the grounds that has that, so I expect nothing different, it looks like it’s a pretty good pitch from here so I expect a good cricket wicket.”

Ireland’s match against the UAE gets underway at 3.30am (GMT) on Wednesday morning. You can follow all of the action live on www.cricketireland.ie, and you can get involved in the conversation and show your support by using the hashtag #BackingGreen on twitter.

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Connaught