Giant slayers eye another big hunt

Ireland's continued case for a bigger part in international cricket relies on a competent show in major tournaments. The calamitous qualifying defeat to Netherlands at the World T20 was a blow, but at least they are straight into the main draw of the World Cup with a guaranteed six matches to convince doubters that they are deserving for more international matches.

They bring a squad to Australia and New Zealand who are either a youthful group who can go and play with zest and abandon, or an inexperienced squad with little credibility for a meaningful campaign. Their bowling attack is greener than the team's shirts; the retirement of Trent Johnston at the end of 2013 and loss of Boyd Rankin to England has left a big hole. Tim Murtagh's injury is a major blow to their hopes but they coped without him to win the tri-series in Dubai.

Ireland rely on several steady seamers who will prefer conditions in New Zealand, but only two of their six group matches are scheduled there and one is against India. It is easier to be positive about Ireland's batting with the experience of Will Porterfield and Ed Joyce - both enjoyed excellent county seasons - leading the line up. They are likely to need plenty of runs.

Ireland will eye a third-consecutive giant-killing, but will surely judge beating UAE and Zimbabwe as the base for a successful tournament.

This will be Ireland's third World Cup, having appeared in the last two editions. Their debut in 2007 included upsetting Pakistan, having bowled them out for only 132, and also a hammering of Bangladesh. Four years later, they tipped up England in a remarkable run-chase of 328. They have left a mark on both tournaments, proved that on their day they can be a serious danger, and have earned the right to be respected.

Determination. Ireland are a plucky bunch who rarely fail to make the point that they are capable of holding their own on the grand stage. Under the original plans, they would never have been at this World Cup so expect another big effort to send a message to the administrators that even considering their exclusion was a crass mistake.

In the form of his life after scoring 1398 runs at 66.57 in the 2014 County Championship, with seven centuries. Joyce is a calm, experienced head who has averaged 44.38 in ODIs for Ireland since the start of 2012 - including a century against Pakistan. Ireland will need his runs to be competitive.

Porterfield leads his side into a second World Cup as one of the longest serving captains in the competition. With the bat he has been a steady, if unspectacular, performer but like Joyce, has enjoyed his best season yet in county cricket. His ability to be aggressive at the start of the innings is a strong asset.

A remarkably experienced 22-year-old having played 42 ODIs and three full seasons at Somerset, Dockrell is vital to Ireland's chances with his left-arm spin the main variation in an attack containing right-arm seamers, most of them at medium pace.

English; as you might expect by a team from the British Isles. Their bowling attack lacks pace and relies on a moving ball; spin options are capable but orthodox. Defending a total would appear difficult so chasing is perhaps their best route to victory; there is more encouragement from their batting line up.

Ireland could well win three group matches. Their opener against West Indies in Nelson has the potential for an upset. Their second match is against UAE and Ireland could well be two from two with Zimbabwe still to play. Difficult to make a case for them being competitive against South Africa or India and facing Pakistan in Adelaide is an unfortunate piece of scheduling.

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