After a disastrous ODI World Cup qualifying campaign, it’s difficult to see what benefit returning to the longest format offered
It was in the 50-over format that Ireland were supposed to excel. Ireland arguably shouldn’t even have had to travel to Zimbabwe. Such was their form over the past three years in the ODI Super League that they left a number of potential wins behind them against better teams that would have seen them qualify for the World Cup automatically. The fall from that form to losing the opening two group matches to Oman and an understrength Scotland was nothing short of disastrous.
That is, until four months out from these qualifiers. Cricket Ireland decided that playing Test matches away from home fell under their budgetary capabilities. Everyone was happy. Fans could return to the nostalgia of watching red ball cricket, while players could engage in the game’s most stringent test of skills over a five-day match.
Preparation cannot be the only reason for Ireland falling short. Scotland, one of the sides to unexpectedly beat Ireland and reach the second stage of the qualifiers, have only played four ODIs this calendar year. A dramatic loss of form from a number of crucial Irish players, not to mention ill-judged selection decisions, didn’t help.
Regardless, opening the door to red ball cricket this early led Cricket Ireland to receive offers they felt they could not refuse. For a recent tour of Sri Lanka, the host board reneged on the initial plan of one Test match plus three ODIs, instead presenting a take-it-or-leave-it proposal of two Tests. At Lord’s, Ireland felt compelled to accept England’s offer of a symbolic day out and the sponsorship benefits it brought instead of travelling early to Zimbabwe.
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