Ireland v India, One-off ODI, Belfast

Johnston issues rallying call to youngsters

Cricinfo staff

June 22, 2007

'Of course we're looking to rebuild but the fact that we still have a strong squad shows we've got a lot of depth' © ICC

Trent Johnston, Ireland's captain, has challenged his young squad to produce the goods against the might of India who they face in a one-dayer on Saturday at Stormont, Belfast.

Only seven members of the squad which beat Pakistan to reach the Super Eights of the World Cup remain, but Johnston insists that - in spite of being in a phase of regeneration, not to mention beset by injuries - they can still challenge India.

"At the World Cup people questioned where the next generation of Irish cricketers would come from - well here they are," Johnston, 33, said."These matches could be the start of a new era. We've got a new coach [Phil Simmons] who is bringing new things to the table and a group of young players with new ideas.

"Of course we're looking to rebuild but the fact that we still have a strong squad shows we've got a lot of depth."

Roger Whelan, Gary Kidd, Alex Cusack and Thinus Fourie - who have five international caps between them - are all set to play against India and Johnston has backed them to produce the goods.

"Playing these sides is great as the young lads get to test themselves against legends of the game like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid," he said. "Just to say you have faced those players is incredible and every one of our lads is looking forward to it.

"It's important the younger guys make the step up but we are confident they are ready. When they are given a chance like this they need to grab it with both hands."

After India, Ireland face South Africa on Sunday before the two touring teams pair off in three further one-dayers next week.

Click here to leave your thoughts.

© Cricinfo

Add to del.icio.us | digg this | Stumble It What's this? If you liked this article and would like to share it with others on the web who might be searching for good content on cricket, you may use these buttons. When you add them to any of these sites, you "social bookmark" them for others to find and rate. More on del.icio.us>> More on digg>> More on stumbleupon>> Close

Current Cricinfo fantasy games - SL v Ind, Eng v SA & County Cricket Login and check the standings Add a Cricinfo Widget to your website now! Cricinfo Widgets Live scores, results, news, features and more - a click away Download the Cricinfo Toolbar

Stories

Depleted Ireland announce ODI squad

Matches

Ireland v India at Belfast

Players/Umpires

Alex Cusack

Thinus Fourie

Trent Johnston

Gary Kidd

Roger Whelan

Series/Tournaments

India tour of Ireland, England and Scotland

Teams

India

Ireland