Irish face tough test against Namibia

CRICKET INTERCONTINENTAL CUP:IRELAND OPEN their three-week African safari today when they take on Namibia in Windhoek bidding to keep their defence of the Intercontinental Cup title alive.

Phil Simmons's side have dominated the four-day competition since its inception, losing just one match in 15 and winning the last two titles, including their inaugural victory over Kenya in Windhoek back in 2005.

Ireland face a tough task this time around, two rain-affected draws earlier in the competition having left them playing catch-up against the undefeated leaders, Namibia, and second-placed Kenya, whom they face in Nairobi next week.

Though they could afford to lose their first clash and still make the final as long as they claim the six bonus points for a first-innings lead, skipper William Porterfield has set his sights on two victories and a maximum 40 points.

"This is a must-win game for us and then we have to go to Nairobi and beat Kenya as well," said Porterfield. "To win the Intercontinental Cup for the third time in a row would be massive for us. We know what it feels like to win and we are hungry for more success.

"We have pretty much a full-strength squad, which is a great boost for us."

Porterfield capped a fine first season in county cricket by being named young player of the season at Gloucestershire and picking up an improved two-year deal.

Middlesex batsman Eoin Morgan is the only player missing from the 15-strong panel.

The in-form Niall O'Brien is bound to play a big role after he was named player of the season at Northants.

Trent Johnston led Ireland in that triumph and Porterfield is certain to tap into his experience and that of other senior players such as Kyle McCallan and Andy White.

Another big plus for Ireland is the inclusion of Boyd Rankin, who made his return from injury late in the summer to help Warwickshire to promotion in the County Championship.

NAMIBIA SQUAD:L Burger (capt), JB Burger, S Burger, K Burger, L Klazinga, B Kotze, D Kotze, N Scholtz, W Slabber, G Snyman, Louis van der Westhuizen, T Verwey (wkts), C Williams.

IRELAND SQUAD:W Porterfield (Gloucestershire, capt), A Botha (North County), P Connell (North Down), A Cusack (Clontarf), P Eaglestone (Strabane), T Johnston (Railway Union), K McCallan (Waringstown), J Mooney (North County), K O'Brien (Railway Union), N O'Brien (Northants, wkts), A Poynter (Clontarf), B Rankin (Warwickshire), R West (Civil Service North), A White (Instonians), G Wilson (Surrey).