Ireland hope for big effort from Dros

Forewarned is forearmed, so if Leicestershire offer the slightest hint of complacency at Castle Avenue today (11.0) in the Nat West Trophy match then they court a potential disaster. Ireland maybe cricketing minnows, but, as history recounts, the country is capable of the upsetting the odds occasionally.

The most famous example is a never to be forgotten victory over the West Indies. But of more recent vintage, two years ago to be precise, was a superb victory over Middlesex, also at today's venue.

Ireland's inspiration that day, Hansie Cronje, has returned to the more familiar colours of his native South Africa, but a Springbok links remains through the presence of Gerard Dros.

The South African, currently with Cliftonville, will be hoping that he can offer a pivotal influence.

Indeed the South African association is set to be augmented still further next month when brilliant all rounder Jonty Rhodes plays for Ireland in a series of matches against South Africa A. Rhodes arrives on Saturday week. Unfortunately Ireland could not have him registered in time for today's clash.

The national side has already won two matches to qualify for the third round of this competition, West beating Northumberland Board and Essex Board: essentially these are second string teams comprised largely of amateurs.

Ireland has announced a strong selection; the only major absentee is opening bat Kyle McCallen, who is in effect suspended for this match as a result of playing for his club rather than lining out for the North against Leinster as he had been requested to do.

YMCA's Angus Dunlop leads the side and he will be hoping that Instonians' Neil Carson and Dros can repeat previous form with the bat when both managed half-centuries. Donemana's Dwayne McGerrigle is the leading wicket taker with an economy rate of 14.28.

Leicestershire, county champions in England for the past two seasons, feature Australian fast bowler Michael Kasprowicz, former England all-rounder Chris Lewis and current England left arm fast bowler Alan Mullally. They should be far too accomplished for Ireland, provided they play with the professionalism that one expects.

IRELAND: A Dunlop (YMCA, capt), N Carson (Instonians), G Cooke (Brigade), M Dwyer (The Hills), G Dros (Cliftonville), R Eagleson (Carrickfergus), E Joyce (Merrion), P Mooney (The Hills), D McGerrigle (Donemana), A Patterson (Cliftonville), S Smyth (Brigade). 12th man: B Archer (The Hills).