Гурин
School Boy/Girl Captain
Apologize for the double post, but I was at work before so had just the time for that short answer
Besides, I (egoistically) think that Ireland would do better as the main part of a 'Europe' team because long term is better to have 40% in a good business than 100% in an ordinary one. You got the lion share of revenues of an extremely extended fanbase; just look at how many people are following the Ryder while not even being interested in golf. And frankly speaking I think that India (to name one) would be much more interested to play a test series against E. than against Ireland, much better sellable and you reach a LOT more expats.
I have a vision.
In 30 years time, when Europe will dominate at every level with a decade at n.1 and consecutive world cup wins, the poms will come begging 'can we join?' but we'll pull a De Gaulle and say a firm 'No!', then still admit them a few years later. Then, in 50 years time, when the Europe Cricket team will be crumbling because of corruption and slow and excessive regulation in their selection and grassroot policy, with Germany (who decides now the price of tickets) filling in half of the XI and angry at the southern countries for wasting the revenue money on bonuses for administrators instead of using it for development, England* will say 'Ah, we never really wanted to be a part of it anyway' and will left us in the mud, and everybody will say that this is the end of the European Cricket project. But then again, a new prophet will come who, despite being unable to bat or bowl, will bring all the countries togheter, leading them again to conquer the world: his name will be Darren Sammy jr.
So say we all.
*and Wales
I went in with an incredibly defensive side with only two real bowlers (and I thought about playing Murtagh for Rankin only to boost the batting) but this ain't bad either (In fact, It's probably a lot better). Ah, sidenote for anybody who's not seen the County thread, just today Kervezee retired from internationals. Money has its say again it seems (counties are not compensated when they lose these players for their international commitments)Paul Stirling
Will Porterfield
Ed Joyce
Tom Cooper
Eoin Morgan
Ryan ten Doeschate
Niall O'Brien +
James Harris
George Dockrell
Dirk Nannes
Boyd Rankin
Assuming everyone is available for selection.
Eh! How long has NZ waited for it's first test victory, 27 years? These things take time, as somebody else sung, or we'd have still only England and Australia playing for the ashes every two years and that'd be that (apart from the occasional series with SA).But that's the thing, it may be good for them, but whilst that is good enough, the non-Test countries will never be good enough to step up.
Besides, I (egoistically) think that Ireland would do better as the main part of a 'Europe' team because long term is better to have 40% in a good business than 100% in an ordinary one. You got the lion share of revenues of an extremely extended fanbase; just look at how many people are following the Ryder while not even being interested in golf. And frankly speaking I think that India (to name one) would be much more interested to play a test series against E. than against Ireland, much better sellable and you reach a LOT more expats.
I have a vision.
In 30 years time, when Europe will dominate at every level with a decade at n.1 and consecutive world cup wins, the poms will come begging 'can we join?' but we'll pull a De Gaulle and say a firm 'No!', then still admit them a few years later. Then, in 50 years time, when the Europe Cricket team will be crumbling because of corruption and slow and excessive regulation in their selection and grassroot policy, with Germany (who decides now the price of tickets) filling in half of the XI and angry at the southern countries for wasting the revenue money on bonuses for administrators instead of using it for development, England* will say 'Ah, we never really wanted to be a part of it anyway' and will left us in the mud, and everybody will say that this is the end of the European Cricket project. But then again, a new prophet will come who, despite being unable to bat or bowl, will bring all the countries togheter, leading them again to conquer the world: his name will be Darren Sammy jr.
So say we all.
*and Wales
Last edited: