Associates XI

In this world cup four associate countries participated, unfortunately all four were out of the competition.I was quite impressed by the way some of these countries played.Very interesting to choose top eleven players:a team from these associates.

The most  impressive of all the associates in this world cup was Ireland, they played like a true professionals.Their ground fielding,their batting were excellent.The brilliant victory over England has given a huge boost for their youngsters who are pursuing cricket.They pushed India and Westindies to their limit. Future looks good for this Irish side.

Canada:they did their best, lack of experience was the main problem for thier bowlers,specially.They fielded pretty well and the batting was also good.The batting of Jimmy Hansra against Australia was the highlight of their campaign.What a hitting, he murdered the Australian pace attack, a treat to watch.

Netherland:The one batman to pick among the all the associates batmen is Ryan ten Doeschate,what a player.Two hundreds and couple of wikets and a wonderful fielder.The Dutch played well better than some of the main teams(test playing).They needs to play more international match specially their bowlers.

Kenya:Waste of talents!Nothing much to say about them in this world cup.Need to revamp the whole team.
As expected i have chose more number of players from Ireland and Canada.Here is my list:
Jimmy Hansra & Paul Stirling:These 2 right handers can handle any bowling attack.Nitish more attacking than Stirling.The Irish on the other hand have more control and variety in his shot selection.
Niall O'Brien:This Irish left-hander can play a long innings and he has that temperament.Very calm and watchful.
Ryan ten Doeschate- A class act
Asish Bagai- his sytle of play suite for the middle order batsman, wonderful offside player.
Kevin O'Brien - very dangerous batsman, can hit any bowlers on his day. what a innings against England.
Peter Borren - Accumulator, very good at the middle overs.
Trent Johnston - A proven match winner , steady line and length bowler
Thomas Odoyo - Wicket taker but gives lots of runs.
Harvir Baidwan -very good bowler, knows his limitations.
Dockrell - i should say he is  find of the tournament for Ireland, wonderful temperament for this young lad. Expect him to play in some counties soon.

I chose Borren as a captain of this side for his leadership skills.He can use Stirling or ten Doeschate or Kevin O'Brien as the fifth bowler and have variety in his attack.I have chosen 2 wicketkeepers since both of them are good batsmen.I prefer Ashish Bagai as wicket keeper than Niall O'Brien.
Here is my team:
1.Jimmy Hansra(CAN) -batsman 
2.Paul Stirling(IRE) -all rounder
3.Niall O'Brien(IRE) -wicket keeper
4.Ashish Bagai(CAN) -Wicketkeeper/batsman
5.Kevin O'Brien(IRE) -all rounder 
6.Ryan ten Doeschate(NED) -all rounder
7.Peter Borren(NED) - batsman / Captain
8.Thomas Odoyo(KEN) - bowler
9.Harvir Baidwan(CAN) -medium pace
10.Trent Johnston(IRE) -bowler 
11.George Dockrell(IRE) - spinner
12th man:Alex Cusack(IRE)-Medium pace
Coach:Phil Simmons(Ireland coach) 


Seems to be good team atleast for me.I hope some of these players will play in the next world cup.ICC should give more matches to these associates before these kind of events.One can not expect minnows to play in bar with the already well established team without proper exposure.ICC should increase the number of tournaments for this associates and allow them to play with the other test playing nations.