Anthony Ireland

[zimbats]

Got hold of Ant on Facebook and he said he hasn't Officially been approached to come back and play so he's staying put at Middlesex. He plays at lords now so can't blame the lad really!!!

[eugene]

I doubt he woudl return so it is a moot point but I am surprised no one has approached him about returning.

[hhm]

It's all good to joke about the lenghts ZCU - oh ZC - should go through to get these guys back, but I wonder what his response would be if he was approached. Approaching Sean didn't pay dividends. Makes you appreciate Ray Price even more. He was a proven Test spinner at that time and highly sought after in the English county setup, yet he gave all that up for international cricket - for Zimbabwe. Yet these guys want to be approached first. As much as I admire Ireland & Sean Ervine - Price is streets ahead of them and his class is without doubt. Judging from Ervine's recent T20 stint the past season, we're not really certain what we'll get out of them if they do come.

[aydee]

Makes you appreciate Ray Price even more. He was a proven Test spinner at that time and highly sought after in the English county setup, yet he gave all that up for international cricket - for Zimbabwe.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for Ray Price, but I'm not sure that is 100% accurate. He didn't get his contract at Worcestershire renewed, as he didn't get selected for their 4 day team, and Zim was the only option to keep his career going. Not saying he wasn't good enough to get another county contract, but I doubt he was inundated with offers. Great news for Zim though, as he has been by far the most successful ODI player since his return, and hopefully has many years left in him!

[Conant]

Got hold of Ant on Facebook and he said he hasn't Officially been approached to come back and play so he's staying put at Middlesex. He plays at lords now so can't blame the lad really!!!

Wants to be approached, huh? What bull. He didnt afford them that opportunity when he played for Zim at WC07, fully knowing he will be on the next flight to England after the last game?

Its curious South African and English players inquire about the opportunities to play in our Pro20. If he was interested he would too

[hhm]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricke ... attle.html

In the most part, this reporter utters a load of bearable hogwash, but even he recognises the importance of our securing the services of our county players. I like and have advocated for the provision of some kind of special dispensation, and I hope those players concerned individually recognise that and submit a formal request together with ZC. Bearing in mind that other Associates who are on the fringes of Full Member status might also benefit from this kind of arrangement, I'm quite confident that the ICC as well as the greater cricketing community will fully support the idea if formally proposed. But then again, with the ECB not content with the army Saffers in their squad, and looking to pillage the Irish even more, that might not come to fruition despite everyone best efforts and intentions. Thoughts on Coltart's comment.....?