The capacity crowd expected at Eglinton today for the visit of the triumphant Australians won't be bothered by the knowledge that this is likely to be more of an exhibition of cricket rather than a real match. Of course, it's always possible that the onlookers may be in for a shock or two; thus, the hordes who thronged Castle Avenue to see the 1995 West Indians were not so much surprised as positively dismayed when Neil Doak caught and bowled the great Brian Lara for nine.
Certainly, Justin Benson's men will compete with the proverbial heart and a half. Ireland will be encouraged by the Australians' match against Scotland in Edinburgh last month, when the tourists' total of 278 off 50 overs was scarcely earth-shattering.
The Scots scored 95 for 6 off 21.5 overs in replay when a cloudburst put paid to the match. Obviously, a comprehensive win for the Australians was on the cards, but Scotland would not have been humiliated.
Mark Sleator made 95 that day, and Australia's other main scorers were Justin Langer (46), Ricky Ponting (33) and Greg Blewett (30). All will play against Ireland today, as will Mark Waugh, whose undefeated double century and century for the MCC at Castle Avenue back in the `eighties is a record not likely to be equalled.
The last time the Australians came to Ireland - in 1993, coincidentally at Castle Avenue - they rattled up 361 for three off the 50 overs, Ireland scoring a rather modest 89 in reply. Matthew Hayden made 133 not out and Allan Border contributed an unbeaten 111.
Meanwhile, the Pembroke captain Peter Davy has been selected along with his twin brother John in Ireland's squad for next week's visits to Arundel Castle and Lords. Both have already played for Ireland, but not together, so a new record could be in the making. The squad includes another set of brothers - Greg and Jason Molins of Carlisle.
Ireland (from): J Benson (Cambridgeshire, capt), D Curry (Limavady), J Davy (Pembroke), D Heasley (Carrickfergus), E Joyce (Merrion), A Lewis (YMCA), P McCrum (Muckamore), G Molins (Carlisle), A Patterson (Clftonville), A Rutherford+ (Woodvale), K McCallan (Cliftonville), G Cooke (Limavady).
Australia: M Taylor (capt), M Sleator, J Langer, G Blewett, M Bevan, R Ponting, M Waugh, D Berry+, B Julian, J Gillespie, M Kasprowicz. 12th Man: M Elliott. IRELAND (squad for two-match English tour): J Benson (Cambridgeshire, capt), J Davy (Pembroke), P Davy (Pembroke), D Heasley (Carrickfergus), E Joyce (Merrion), A Lewis (YMCA), K McCallan (Cliftonville), P McCrum (Muckamore), G Molins (Carlisle), J Molins (Carlisle), G Neilly (Donemana), A Patterson (Clftonville), A Rutherford+ (Woodvale).
