02 March,2011 08:14 AM IST | | Correspondent
M S Dhoni will watch these Irishmen with great interest as they clash against England at Bangalore today. After all, the minnows are India's next opponents Irish players celebrate their historic win over Pakistan in the 2007 World Cup in Kingston, Jamaica. Ireland won by three wickets. Pic/AFP
Ed Joyce
He is the rock of the Ireland batting. A left-hander in the mould of David Gower, Joyce can be destructive if he is in the mood. His extensive county experience with Middlesex and Surrey will be invaluable too. Facing England today will also give him a chance to make a point.
He represented them in the 2007 World Cup, but was dropped after the tournament, never to earn a recall.
William Porterfield
The skipper is another solid left-hander who caught the eye during the 2007 World Cup ufffd his match-winning 85 ensured Ireland beat Bangladesh. Porterfield has the knack of turning 50s into hundreds ufffd he has more hundreds (five) than half-centuries (four). The year 2009 was the most prolific year for Porterfield as he scored over 400 runs at an average of 59.14 with two hundreds and two fifties.
George Dockrell
His first-class journey may have just begun with Somerset, who have signed the 18-year-old for two years, but the Englishmen have already started taking note of him. The left-arm spinner showed what he is capable of with the superb figures of two for 23 vs Bangladesh, in their World Cup opener. In the 11 matches where Dockrell has bowled at least seven overs, his economy rate has exceeded six runs per over only once.
O'Brien Brothers
It was this duo who gave Ireland one of their most celebrated victories. Niall played an innings of real class as he gave a fitting reply to Pakistan's 132 with a superb knock of 72. In came Kevin, who showed the same tenacity as his sibling, scoring a determined 16 to send Pakistan packing out of the 2007 World Cup. Niall's big-hitting skills and Kevin's all-round versatility provide Ireland depth in their line-up.u00a0
Andrew White
He has the ability to turn matches with his devastating batting. He can bat anywhere from No 4 and No 7, and can also chip in with his off-spin.u00a0 White's excellent fielding (18 catches) is also a great asset to the team. He is the second most experienced player in the squad after Kevin O'Brien, who has played more than White's 49 ODIs. His experience will certainly be crucial to Ireland in their QF quest.
