'Batting let us down' - Dockrell
George Dockrell blamed the batting for the team's failure to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Under-19 World Cup
ESPNcricinfo staff
15-Aug-2012
George Dockrell's economy of 1.80 is the best in the tournament so far • ICC/Getty
Ireland captain George Dockrell blamed the batsmen for Ireland's failure to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Under-19 World Cup. Ireland lost their first match to England by seven wickets and the next to Australia by six wickets, as the team failed to put up competitive totals - 109 and 129. Although Ireland beat Nepal in the third match by 14 runs, their batsmen failed to construct partnerships and managed 185 runs. "I think we have let ourselves down in all three games with our batting," Dockrell said.
None of the batsmen managed a half-century in any of the three group matches. Ireland's best efforts, though, came in the field where they made it difficult for the opposition to score easily. "On a positive note, the bowling has been exceptional," Dockrell said. "With both England and Australia, it took them about 40 overs to chase down totals of 110 and 130 which was quite a credit to our spinners, fielding and the team generally.
"The bowling has been really positive but the batting lacked a bit. Hopefully, we can put that right in the Plate Championship."
Dockrell led the bowling with his left-arm spin - claiming five wickets at an economy of 1.80. He followed up his stifling spells of 10-3-22-0 and 10-6-10-1 in the first two matches with a four-wicket haul against Nepal.
"It's great to be getting four wickets and helping out the team," he said. "My economy has been pretty good so far and that's what I try and work on, just keeping the economy down and the wickets will come.
"And if it is just 10 overs for 10 runs, even if you are not making the damage you personally want, I think you have just got to be happy with that and know that that will put pressure on.
"With the team we have and the bowlers we have at the other end, I know that pressure will build up. If I'm not getting the wickets I don't mind, as long as someone else is."
Dockrell also expressed relief on their team's first win - against Nepal - after two successive losses. "To be able to beat them today and finish third in the group is a big thing going into the Plate Championship. It was a great relief."