Ireland- Does It Deserve a Test Status?

Is it fair to still call Ireland a minnow?

If it defeats a team from the top 8, should it be considered as an upset?

Does it deserve a test status?

These are the kind of questions cricket fans have started to ask as Ireland is becoming a team which does not get beaten easily anymore. They have been performing well in one day internationals for some time, even at a stage as big as the World Cup.

The reason behind their emerging success is that they stick together as a unit. They are not overly dependent on any particular bowler or a batsman. In every match there is a new hero, with other players giving important contributions. The experience of William Porterfield, captain of the side, together with the flamboyance of Paul Stirling and Niall O’Brien makes their batting lineup just as good as any other team.

Their bowling lineup though doesn’t have the big names, but their bowlers know their limitations and bowl within those and hence they are able to deliver in that department too. Also, most of their players play county cricket in England which gives them the experience to compete with the best.

Who can forget their famous wins over Pakistan in WC 2007 or the amazing century scored by Kevin O’Brien against England which won them the match in the 2011 World Cup? Their recent win against West Indies in the ongoing WC 2015 just speaks volumes about their potential in chasing down a massive total of 304 with much ease.

Ireland has caused many ‘upsets’ and proved themselves at the bigger stages. Only time will tell whether they get the much awaited test status or not but it is surely a good side in building.

Edited by Shivang Aggarwal