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[Sam]

Getting a few FC matches in between the likes of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe and top level associates would be a nice way to start.

[uknsaunders]

Pretty sure Jean-Paul Duminy would walk into most ODI sides around the World. And David Miller's getting to the level expected of him. But you keep up with your nonsense, I'm in need of a laugh until England's next match...

Don't remember ever saying England were any good, probably go out in the group stages. Back to SA - Duminy is a serial number 6 after several unsuccessful years of trying to get up the order. Miller is a good bat but without a decent top 4, he would struggle.

[Gerry SA]

Don't remember ever saying England were any good, probably go out in the group stages. Back to SA - Duminy is a serial number 6 after several unsuccessful years of trying to get up the order. Miller is a good bat but without a decent top 4, he would struggle.

Duminy's best position is #4, but a guy named A.B. de Villiers bats there - he's not to bad with the willow...

Miller would struggle without a top 4? Show me any middle order player that plays without a top 4... At least come up with something half decent rather than this kinda rubbish...

[Gerry SA]

Getting a few FC matches in between the likes of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe and top level associates would be a nice way to start.

Why would two ICC full members waste time playing F/C matches against Ireland?

[uknsaunders]

Ireland linked with Test status after beating a West Indies side(excluding Sammy) who show no honour playing for that historic maroon shirt...

If West Indies more talented players showed Darren Sammy's heart, passion and commitment, West Indies would be a top side.

Ireland do not deserve Test status. Period.

If and buts, Zim got test status by working hard against more  talented oppo.

Rubbish. Ireland's batting revolves around slogging. That doesn't work at Test level. Bowling attack is average at best. No place in Test cricket. Total waste of time.

Five of the top six play FC cricket and had Rankin and Morgan had a chance of test cricket with Ireland it would of been more. Rankin adds something to that attack to allow it to compete against weaker test nations.

[InternalTraining]

Rubbish. Ireland's batting revolves around slogging. That doesn't work at Test level. Bowling attack is average at best. No place in Test cricket. Total waste of time.

Maybe they won't slog if given a chance to play Test matches since they are restricted to T-20 and ODIs. There is a bigger question here: What is the path for an Associate team to become a Test playing nation?

[Gerry SA]

If and buts, Zim got test status by working hard against more  talented oppo.Five of the top six play FC cricket and had Rankin and Morgan had a chance of test cricket with Ireland it would of been more. Rankin adds something to that attack to allow it to compete against weaker test nations.

Zim produced great players. A. Flower and Heath Streak better than anyone Ireland have ever/or ever will produce.

[uknsaunders]

Zim produced great players. A. Flower and Heath Streak better than anyone Ireland have ever/or ever will produce.

At what point did that happen? Before or after they got test status? If you don't give them a chance how do you know how good they can be?

[Sam]

Why would two ICC full members waste time playing F/C matches against Ireland?

Because no one else really wants to play them?

And it would probably give them a more fairly balanced opposition than each other

[Gerry SA]

At what point did that happen? Before or after they got test status? If you don't give them a chance how do you know how good they can be?

Aside from Joyce, all these Irish F/C batsmen average low to mid 30s. Zim had players in their domestic circles averaging 40+ guys like Goodwin, G. Flower etc

[uknsaunders]

Aside from Joyce, all these Irish F/C batsmen average low to mid 30s. Zim had players in their domestic circles averaging 40+ guys like Goodwin, G. Flower etc

Didn't realise Zim FC cricket was stronger than the County Championship, my apologies.

[Gerry SA]

Didn't realise Zim FC cricket was stronger than the County Championship, my apologies.

Is that why noone from the overrated County Championship has matched Andy Flower's Test average in the last 10+ years?

[Sam]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I remember correctly Andy Flower played the majority of his domestic FC cricket in the county championship.

[Gerry SA]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I remember correctly Andy Flower played the majority of his domestic FC cricket in the county championship.

He played for Essex after his International ended. 2002-2006

[uknsaunders]

Is that why noone from the overrated County Championship has matched Andy Flower's Test average in the last 10+ years?

Graeme Smith must of been a terrible test cricketer then as he only averaged 48 compared to Andy Flower's 51. Does that make the SA FC structure weaker as well?


My whole point here is your use of selective statistics to a sample size of one to fabricate something that simply isn't true. Why didn't you compare test averages for all players in both first class structures before taking that amazing leap?. Most likely because it wouldn't suit your arguments, even if it was the most rational thing to do. If you have a remotely plausible argument I am yet to hear it.