Netherlands' star performer Ryan Ten Doeschate scored a scintillating century for Essex against Sri Lanka at Chelmsford.
This is yet another reminder for the ICC to repeal its stupid decision to exclude associates from the next World Cup.
Against the attack of a top Test nation, in an innings where Test hopeful Bopara scored a mere 5, Doeschate destroyed the SL attack by scoring 164 off 174 balls. His fall sparked a massive collapse for Essex that left them with only a lead of 14.
At 320/5 just before Doeschate fell, Essex seemed headed for a lead of atleast 100 runs, replying to Sri Lanka's 337/9d. But Essex were all out of 351.
The point I want to make is- Doeschate could easily be part of the England Lions and may be knocking on doors of Test selection if he had been English. (Surely England would prefer Doeschate to Eoin Morgan in Tests, especially since the Dutchman is a good medium-pacer)
The Dutchman would walk into most ODI and T20 XIs and would be welcomed with open arms by most Test teams too.
This guy is an example of the riches available in the associates region. If the associate nations are excluded from top competition, how are these players supposed to shine?
Why can't the ICC have an associates Test XI in the upcoming Test championship?
Or why can't they even organize an annual or biennial one-off Test between an Associates XI and the present World No.1?
That would generate a lot of revenue- for both the ICC and will have some meaning for the associates.
Associates Test XI Vs World No.1
posted on 12/6/11
I would love to see India play against an Associates XI in a Test at Belfast for example, or probably Toronto or Glasgow.
posted on 13/6/11
i think that the ICC should consider granting test status to some of the "smaller" cricketing nations (smaller is not a good word, but i can't think of a better one). if these nations played against the better test nations (india, SA, England australia & sri Lanka), the matches would obviosly be one sided but i reckon ireland, for example, could give bangladesh a run for their money.
what would the ICC have to lose? it would likely raise the profile of cricket in these associate nations to have a team playing in cricket's very top level, and also probably increase interest at all other levels of the game.
to solve the aforementioned one-sided issue, perhaps there should be two divisions of 6 teams. each team plays teams in their own division twice over a 4-5 year period and teams in the other division once, and in these inter-division clashes are always at the lower divisions home.
it will never happen, i know, but i think it would be good for cricket if it did.
posted on 13/6/11
I like your idea there jezzer. Sadly i doubt it would ever happen.
posted on 13/6/11
Reckon a combined associates team would be a great idea, in all formats.
Why not chose one for ODI and T20i World Cups as well as having a test team?
Associate nations could continue to play matches, and the best of them could then be selected for series' against the 'big' teams.
Surely such experience would help the development of Associate nations?
posted on 15/6/11
how would an associate test XI look like as of now? let me just give it a try.
William Portterfield(Ire)
Paul Sterling(Ire)
Collins Obuya(Ken)
Nile O'brien-WK(Ire)
Alexei Kervezee(Neth)
Ryan Ten Doeschate(Neth)
Kevin O'brien(Ire)
Hamid Hasan(Afgh)
George Docrell(Ire)
Boid Rankin(Ire)
Pieter Seelaar(Neth)
I am sure this XI can put up a decent challenge to some of the test sides.
posted on 15/6/11
Hoggy:
A combined one for ODIs or T20s is unnecessary since the associates are doing a great job as it is while being separate teams.
They don't need their combined strength.
But in Tests, they would pose a mighty challenge to good teams only if they combine, although Ireland may still pose some tough questions as a separate nation.
posted on 15/6/11
> it will never happen, i know,
> but i think it would be good for cricket if it did.
Yes, it would be very good for cricket. And IMHO, they should be a handful for any test team other than SA, England and India.
posted on 4/9/11
haaa
posted on 16/10/11
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 17/10/11
Better ask the bcci what they think about it, after all they make all the decisions.. Oops i mean icc.<inserts irony smiley>