Foreign legion gives emerging nations a boost

KINGSTON, Jamaica, Mar 20: A West Indian opens the bowling for a Canada side captained by an Australian, three Australians and a South African have enjoyed success with Ireland and the best Dutch player comes from South Africa.

The improvement of the non-traditional cricket nations at this World Cup, owes much to the input of imported players who qualify to represent their adopted countries.

Much like the colonial Englishmen who spread the game around the old British Empire, they bring expertise and experience to teams who are looking to break out of the barely noticed world of 'associate cricket' into the big time.

Trent Johnston, the Ireland captain, who has lived there for 12 years, has been the most successful of the foreign legion so far.

His decisive captaincy has led his side to a thrilling tie against Zimbabwe, in which compatriot Jeremy Bray scored an unbeaten century, and then Johnston himself hit the winning six in the memorable victory on Saturday against Pakistan.

The 32-year-old Johnston, who began his career at New South Wales with players such as Michael Slater and Brett Lee, has frequently reminded people that he and the team are out in the Caribbean to help popularise the game back home.

''We've come here to promote cricket in Ireland and we have shown there is good cricket in Ireland and given people an entertaining game to watch,'' he said after the Zimbabwe tie.

HIGHEST PROFILE

While Johnston has become the highest profile case, in the ICC competitions where developing cricket countries play in front of tiny crowds with little or no media coverage, there are plenty of others like him.

Italy's national cricket team failed to make it to the World Cup but their captain is Joe Scuderi, a former all-rounder from South Australia who qualified for the European side due to his Italian parents.

Scuderi has little time for those who mock the presence of non-native players in emerging sides and believes they are playing a vital role.

''Those who snigger only care about cricket in the major countries but it is about developing the game globally,'' he told Reuters.

''These countries have searched around for players who may be eligible and it works well for both parties -- they give each other a boost.

''For cricket to develop in these countries they need to have some quality in there for the others to aspire towards,'' he said. There are a number of criteria which allow players to switch country. A passport can be gained through parentage or marriage while other players can qualify through residency.

SECOND CHANCE

But it is not entirely a philanthropic venture for players such as Johnston and Canada captain John Davison.

After all, the developing nations also offer those players a chance to play at a level they probably would not have reached with their countries of birth.

Sometimes the minor countries can also offer a second chance.

Scotland's Dougie Brown and Gavin Hamilton are at the World Cup despite having previously represented England.

Canada opening bowler Anderson Cummins, played for his native West Indies at the World Cup 15 years ago and is back on the top stage at the age of 40.

Nor is it only the emerging nations who take advantage of qualification rules to strengthen their squads. After all, England feature South African Kevin Pietersen and Irishman Ed Joyce.

Dublin-born Joyce developed as a player in Ireland's colours before switching to England but if the progress of Irish cricket continues such moves might be less likely in the future.

''Ed obviously didn't see the opportunities there with Ireland that he can get with England. What we are working for is to create a situation where in the future players see those opportunities with Ireland,'' said Ireland's South African coach Adrian Birrell.

Italy's Scuderi believes the contribution of his fellow-Australians Johnston, Bray and David Langford-Smith at this World Cup could go a long way to achieving just that.

''The fact that Ireland are doing well means the interest level will be much, much higher than it was 12 months ago and that will have a huge affect on the kids starting out in the game or thinking about getting involved.''

Reuters