India keep Ireland in check
India dominated today’s one-day international at Stormont as the tourists warmed up for next month’s Test series with England by skittling Ireland for just 193 from their 50 overs.
Wicketkeeper Niall O’Brien offered lone resistance for the home side, with leg-spinner Piyush Chawla the pick of the Indian attack, taking three wickets for just 29 from his 10 overs.
India skipper Rahul Dravid, without injured wicketkeeper-batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni and paceman Zaheer Khan, won the toss and elected to field first, while Mumbai youngster Rohit Sharma was handed his international debut.
While Ireland progressed to the Super Eight knockout phase at the World Cup in March, India suffered unexpected humiliation in the Caribbean and were eliminated at the group stage.
India have returned to form in the international arena, but a combination of county call-ups, injuries and retirements have seen Trent Johnston’s Ireland struggle in their recent Friends Provident Trophy campaign.
In swinging conditions, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth (three for 50) quickly snapped up two wickets, which included opener Kenny Carroll caught behind by stand-in wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik for just seven.
Dominick Joyce followed shortly after for 18 after being caught at second slip by former India skipper Sourav Ganguly.
Further disaster for Ireland followed nine runs later when in-form opener Will Porterfield was yorked by Ajit Agarkar, who was revelling in the conditions, for 16.
Next to go was Gary Wilson, who was completely deceived by a googly from Chawla for 13 and the leg spinner then had Kevin O’Brien caught by Rudra Singh at square leg to leave Ireland precariously placed at 83 for five.
Andrew White became Chawla’s next victim when he was offered an inviting delivery outside his off stump which he tried to drive but instead edged to the waiting Karthik with the score on 111 for six.
It was left to the Northants wicketkeeper O’Brien and his captain Johnston to move Ireland to respectability, as they upped the tempo.
O’Brien hammered Singh for four to reach his half century but he was out next ball in the 45th over, getting a leading edge to Sharma at cover after putting on 48 in 10 overs with Johnston.
Kyle McCallan did not last long as he was bowled by Singh for four with the score on 168, and then Johnston went caught by Yuvraj Singh off the bowling of Sreesanth for a useful 34.
The Ireland innings ended on 193 when Roger Whelan was caught of the very last ball by Karthik off Sachin Tendulkar.
