Ireland's overseas duo disappoint

CRICKET: I was in Ed Sports' new premises in the grounds of Pembroke Wanderers Hockey Club in Dublin's Ballsbridge last week. Apart from getting a chance to check out their huge range of cricket equipment while Ed himself demonstrates all his air shots with a limited edition B&S bat, Ed Sports is always a good place to get the latest gossip and opinions about what is going on in Irish cricket.

And the only thing people there wanted to talk about last week was the performance of Ireland's two overseas players, Shahid Afridi and Saqlain Mushtaq, in the C&G Trophy. And they weren't happy.

It was a waste of money; they didn't even look like they were trying; with a World Cup next year they should be giving Irish players a chance. And so on.

To be honest, it is difficult to argue against them. The figures speak for themselves - off-spinner Saqlain bowled a total of 37 overs, taking four wickets for 192 at an average of 48 and an economy rate of 5.19. His batting average was just 8.6. When you consider in the same matches Ireland's top home-grown slow bowler Kyle McCallan averaged 33 with an economy rate of 4.67, you can understand the frustration of the supporters who would rather see the Irish Cricket Union's money spent on more fruitful pursuits.

McCallan also offers an added dimension with his batting, averaging more than 20 in the C&G Trophy this year.

Afridi fared a bit better than his Pakistani compatriot. His seven wickets came at an average of a touch over 21 with an economy rate of 4.77 and he averaged 25.6 with the bat, scoring at better than a run a ball. But it is still far from the world-beating performances of which he is capable and supporters' concerns are certainly legitimate.

But for once, I am going to refrain from criticising the ICU too harshly, particularly in relation to the signing of Afridi. Firstly, along with McCallan, Peter Gillespie, Eoin Morgan and David Langford-Smith, Afridi did much to secure victory over Gloucestershire at Bristol. His spell of 3-4 off eight overs was a great effort against a quality batting line-up. And the 54 he scored against Glamorgan (41 balls, four 4s and three 6s) put Ireland in a position from where they should really have won.

The fact he was not consistent should surprise no one. He is a hit-and-miss type of player and while we would all have preferred him to construct a more watchful 80 or 90 rather than smash a quick 50, that is not how he plays. He has never played like that and we knew it before he arrived. Although it didn't really work out on this occasion, I still maintain that without the benefit of hindsight signing Afridi was a good move and I would not dismiss the idea of bringing him back next year.

Saqlain is a different matter. Although he was clearly a wonderful bowler in his day, pioneering the development of the doosra delivery and capable of running through top-class sides, he hasn't done that for years. In short, he is past it and although I believe they got him cheap, frankly whatever the ICU paid him was too much. He is a poor fielder and his batting average of less than nine is about right. Put bluntly, he does not deserve his place in the Ireland side and ironically, if he was not getting paid he would probably be dropped.

There are two games remaining for Ireland in this year's C&G Trophy. Afridi has returned to Pakistan to be with the Test team as they prepare for their tour of England and will not be replaced while Saqlain remains. I know Saqlain was far from being the ICU's first choice (the names of Shoaib Achtar, Justin Kemp, Abdul Razzaq, Shaun Pollock and many others were investigated) but I think they should hesitate next time before picking up a has-been just because they can afford him.

• The members of that fine old Dublin club Merrion CC are celebrating their centenary this year with plenty of events and special occasions planned. A huge bash in the Four Seasons Hotel will take place on June 24th following a drinks reception at their nearby Anglesea Road ground and tickets are now on sale at €100 each. I'm told all are welcome, contact Mark Rutledge on 086-6050607 to book your place.