Phil Simmons was an uncanny allrounder, capable to change course of a match with bat, ball or even on field. He's now Irish coach and has done a decent job but biggest challenge for former West Indian begins now when minnows Ireland take on home team West Indies today in match 2 of World T20 2010 in a Group D game held in Providence, Guyana. Venue and conditions: Providence stadium in Guyana throws up a toss bias which should also put the belief up in the air that West Indies should stroll this. In the 10, 50-over matches played there seven have been won by the side batting first. This looks a sluggish surface with only one total of more than 300 scored.Ireland have played here twice in warm-ups and it has all been about taking pace off the ball. George Dockrell, the slow left-armer, troubled New Zealand with three wickets. Look to the slow men and bowlers who run their fingers over the seam to prosper. Trivia: Providence stadium was built with substantial financial assistance from India, who won't play there in the tourney. Team News:   Ireland: Ireland, the team that first made it's name by sending tournament favorites Pakistan in 2007 world cup, had a dissappointing World T20 2009 and they lost to Afghanistan in qualifiers of this year's edition. European nation is new in International cricket but they only seem to excel in longer format of the game, unless they achieve something surprising today. West Indies West Indies, on other hand, have tried several youngsters in recent times mainly because of injuries to top players but most of those players are back into the squad. Now, problem of plenty is haunting captain Chris Gayle who must find a permanent spot for most of his batting stalwarts before it's too late.  Despite plenty of low points in recent WI cricket history they do show an appetite for this format of the game and have some very dangerous customers. T20 should also ensure huge support from the locals and as pointed out by Justin, Trinidad & Tobago enjoyed a terrific Champions League tournament last year with a side comprising of local players. Chris … [Read more...]