Ireland v Australia 'A', Dublin

Australia A won the toss and decided to bat. A fine undefeated century by Hussey with supporting contributions from Matthew Hayden and Ryan Campbell enabled Michael Di Venuto to declare at 309 for 6. Best Irish bowler was veteran left arm spinner Matt Dwyer with 4 for 57. No less than 3 of the selected Ireland bowlers had cried off due to injury just before the match so the home attack had been severely weakened, with some of their likely replacements also unavailable. Despite losing an early wicket, Ireland were going along well thanks to Molins and Smyth. They reached 66 for 1 but then 3 wickets fell on the fist evening and Ireland overnighted at 94 for 4.

The early dismissal of Steve Waugh, guesting for Ireland for this tour as part of the ICC programme for developing cricket in Associate members, prompted a collapse on the second morning and Ireland were eventually all out for 132 giving Australia A a lead of 177. Adam Dale was the leading destroyer with 6 for 43. Michael Di Venuto decided not to enforce the follow on and in their second innings the Australians added a quick 169 for 5, largely thanks to Damien Martyn (43) and Brendon Julian (60*). The declaration left Ireland needing 347 to win. At the close of Day 2 they were 92 for 2 with Stephen Smyth and Steve Waugh at the wicket. They therefore needed another 255 on the last day.

The early dismissal on Day 3 of Smyth for 43 was a blow for Ireland. However, as long as Waugh was there there was hope. He eventually became the 5th wicket to fall when he was out for 45 with the total on 163. The innings then subsided to an all out total of 196 with the wickets shared between the Australians. Julian had the best figures of 3 for 49. The match stopped briefly on the third afternoon to enable a minute's silence to be observed in commemoration of those who had died in the Omagh bombing the previous week.

Contributed by Gerry Byrne (byrnegy@iol.ie) 23 August 1998

1st One-day: Ireland v Australia 'A'

Report from Gerry Byrne

This was the first of 5 scheduled one day matches between the sides. Unfortunately it was ruined by rain and eventually abandoned.

The start was delayed until 2.00 by overnight rain and continuing drizzle. When the match did start Michael Di Venuto won the toss and invited Ireland to bat. Following the early loss of McCallan, Smyth took the fight to the opposition, hitting 5 successive fours in one over of Bichel. After 12.4 Overs with Ireland on 73 for 2 there was a heavy shower which caused play to be suspended for 2 hours. When the game did resume it had been reduced to one of 25 Overs a side. Smyth and Waugh continued to attack, with Smyth scoring 8 4's in all in his innings of 39 and Waugh 5 4's and 3 6's in his total of 67. Eventually Ireland totalled 168 for 7 in their 25 Overs and the stage seemed set for an excellent finish with the Australians needing in excess of six and a half runs per over. However, a further thunderstorm put paid to any chances of further play and the match was abandoned at that stage.

The teams now move North for 4 further one day matches.

Contributed by Gerry Byrne (byrnegy@iol.ie)

26 August 1998

2nd One-Day Match: Ireland v Australia 'A', Belfast

By Gerry Byrne

Australia A took a 1-0 lead in the one day series against Ireland when they won by 3 wickets at Waringstown.

This match had been originally scheduled for Tuesday but was abandoned due to heavy overnight rain and a replacement match for that has been arranged for today.

Rain again affected the match with its being reduced to 35 Overs a side. Ireland captain Angus Dunlop won the toss and batted first. Opener Kyle McCallan with 51 and guest player Steve Waugh with 50 (off 38 balls with 6 4's and 2 6's) enabled Ireland to post a fine total of 192 for 7 off their 35 Overs, a total that perhaps should have been better had they taken more advantage of the fielding circles in the first 10 Overs, at the end of which the score was only 36-0. Excellent Australia fielding which led to three runs outs was another reason for their restriction.

The Australians reached 62 for 2 off their first 10 Overs. However, good bowling, particularly by Paul Mooney (3-40) who dismissed the first three Australians, pegged them back and at 148 for 7 it was definitely game on. The Australians settled the match with an undefeated 8th wicket partnership of 47 between anchorman Damien Martyn (59*) and Alan Dale (25*) winning with 2.4 Overs left.