Ireland must weather storm

CRICKET/Ireland v West Indies:Ireland's preparation for today's match is made more difficult by the unpredictable nature of their opponents. Which West Indies team will show up at Clontarf is difficult to judge. Will it be the impressive outfit who have outplayed England over the last few weeks, who thrashed the Dutch on the same ground on Tuesday and who some judges, fast-turned pundit Colin Croft among them, tip to challenge for the World Twenty20 Cup in South Africa in September?

Or, will it be the side's alter ego that takes the field against Ireland? The almost embarrassingly inept outfit who lost the Test series 3-0, who are well capable of bowling like drains, batting like millionaires and fielding in the style of octogenarians waiting for a hip replacement. The unpredictability of the West Indies is encapsulated by captain Chris Gayle's form. He is the most infuriating batsman in cricket. Against The Netherlands at Clontarf he hit a half century almost dripping with contempt to win the game in less than 15 overs.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons will prompt his team to remember the almost semi-conscious appearances of his countrymen at the World Cup, in particular the Super Eight game against Sri Lanka in Georgetown, where they played like a pub team against the future finalists. Ireland's fortunes may depend on how they deal with the hostile fast medium attack of the visitors. The Netherlands were bowled out for 82, and Ireland must ensure they weather the early overs.

To this end Ireland will take a look at William Porterfield this morning, coach Simmons deferring a decision on his fitness. If he is fit he will open with Eoin Morgan, with Kenny Carroll the probable man to step down. The bowling will be led by Dave Langford Smith, with skipper Trent Johnston seeking to impose himself in the middle overs of the innings. A decision over whether Andrew White comes in for Gary Kidd as the second spinner will be taken this morning.

It is to the credit of the team the discontent in the Irish camp this week has not spilled over on to the pitch. They showed admirable fight against The Netherlands on Wednesday winning the game off the last ball of the game.

Today's match is followed on Sunday by a Celtic clash in Belfast, as Ireland and Scotland lock horns in the final game of this quadrangular tournament. The last time they met, in the World Cricket League in January, Scotland chased down Ireland's total of 280, winning off the last ball of the game. They are missing Gavin Hamilton and Dougie Brown but remain a combative unit. The bowling attack in particular remains a potent force, as demonstrated by off spinner Majid Haq against West Indies on Thursday.

Scotland will seek a repeat of that showing tomorrow, putting behind them yesterday's stuttering batting display in Belfast yesterday. Against The Netherlands, just 22 overs were possible before play was abandoned due to rain. It was time enough for Scotland to stumble to 71 for 5.