Former England captain Mike Gatting thinks Ireland is ready to be part of two-tier structure
Former England captain Mike Gatting wants to see Ireland as part of a two-tier Test structure currently being discussed at ICC level.
Speaking to Robbo on this week's The Slog Sweep, Gatting reveled how he feels something needs to change if Test cricket is to remain the pinnacle of the game, and how a major overhaul being considered by the ICC and including Ireland and Afghanistan might just be the answer.
He said, "In order to help Test cricket to survive we need to do something. I know there’s been discussion at ICC level about having a sort of two-divisional Test competition, which would sort of be done on a two-year rotation basis with promotion and relegation.
"So, I’m very hopeful that they’ll continue with this and get it through because I think it will be fantastic for cricket. It then means the likes of Afghanistan come in and Ireland come in along with Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
He continued: "I’m sure that Ireland are going to be one of the teams; they’re certainly ready in my view with the amount of quality cricketers they’re turning out." You can listen to the full interview with Mike Gatting here.
Barry McCarthy wasn't involved in the Ireland 'A' squad which recorded a comprehensive win over the MCC this week, but has been staring with the bat and ball for his county side Durham. The former Pembroke-man caught up with Robbo and John to talk about his international aspirations and being involved in Paul Collingwood's side.
Mooney's Moments is becoming a must listen to for all Irish cricket fans and this week John looks at the pace-bowling options at John Bracewell's disposal, and answers the question as to why it is so difficult for Ireland to produce genuine fast bowlers?
The Irish cup competitions are to the fore again this weekend, with the last round and the replays decimated by the weather David Holmes is hopeful of better luck this time around on this week's Around the Grounds.
He's starred for Ireland on the international stage and represented Derbyshire on the county circuit, but this week Ryan Eagleson joins The Slog Sweep crew to chat about his side Carrickfergus on Club of the Week. Did you know one of the world's best batsmen played club cricket with Carrickfergus?
Regulars Janice Walsh and Sean Hussey chat about all the latest news in the women's and underage game on episode 51 of The Slog Sweep.
Listen to the full episode here: https://audioboom.com/boos/4615193-the-slog-sweep-episode-51
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