NOW THAT Hansie Cronje has returned to South Africa, it is doubtful that Yorkshire's followers will be in a state of fear and trepidation at the arrival of Ireland for today's NatWest Trophy match at Headingley. A first-ever win for the part-timers looks as unlikely as ever, though the memory of that famous Benson & Hedges Cup victory over Middlesex should certainly act as a spur for Just in Benson and his team.

The Irish side shows four changes compared to the line-up for last month's aborted B&H match against Essex at Downpatrick. Back are Decker Curry, Ryan Eagleson, Kyle McCallan and wicketkeeper Alan Rutherford. The return of the ebullient Curry - the Man of the Match against Middlesex - should strengthen the team.

Because of a variety of injuries, Gordon Cooke, Neil Doak, Peter Gillespie and Declan Moore were not considered for selection. Despite the return of the earnest Eagleson, the absence of Doak and Gillespie may limit Benson's bowling options, with the consequent danger of taking some of the edge off Ireland's attack.

Ireland have played Yorkshire twice before in the NatWest, without success, it need hardly be said. Pundits in the neighbouring island have claimed that Yorkshire are haunted by the past, the ghosts of the likes of Rhodes, Sutcliffe and the rest, not to forget Boycott and Trueman, the latter pair happily still with us.

Maybe so, but the county was sixth in last year's Championship, and also reached the semi-finals of both the NatWest and the B&H.