Former West Indies great Michael Holding says the International Cricket Council should grant Ireland Test status immediately. Holding is fearful that other Ireland players will follow the example of Irish-born duo Eoin Morgan and Boyd Rankin who have switched to England. "Ireland need to be recognised now," said Holding in the wake of Ireland's World Cup win over the West Indies. "It's about time. Otherwise they'll keep losing cricketers." The ICC has opened the door to Ireland achieving Test status in 2018 when the winners of the 2017 Intercontinental Cup - featuring the top non-Test sides - will play four five-days matches against the lowest-ranked Test team with the victors earning or retaining Test status
They merit Test status by virtue of the quality of their present group of players but what systems exist to ensure quality is maintained? Zimbabwe had a strong group in the 1990s but now they are not competitive. Nobody wants teams which can't post 100 in an innings against top sides resulting in defeat inside two days.
