By Sirshendu Panth, IANS,
Kolkata : In a must-win situation in their two remaining group matches to remain afloat for the World Cup knockout round, Ireland skipper William Porterfield Monday said his side would go on the attack against South Africa in their match here Tuesday.
“There won’t be many people who will give us much of a chance in tomorrow’s (Tuesday’s) game. South Africa were obviously one of the pre-tournament favourites and they have just beaten India in a good game of cricket.
“We don’t have anything to lose tomorrow. We have just got to go out there and play with freedom and attack in the same way that we have attacked in earlier games. If we go out and do that and leave everything on the pitch, I will be happy,” Porterfield said at the pre-match media meet at the Eden Gardens.
The Irish captain said allrounder Andre Botha was struggling with a stomach bug for the last couple of days.
“We will wait and see how he fares up in the morning. He is the only one who’s unwell,” said the 26-year-old opening batsman.
South Africa would be coming into the game with their tails up after the victory over co-hosts India in a nail-biting finish, but Porterfield said his side was taking it as “just another challenge”.
“We have played a couple of big teams now and teams that have been in form. South Africa are no different, they are building up some good momentum now.
“It was a good victory for them (vs. India) especially after coming back from the defeat against England. So, they will be in pretty high spirits and pretty confident. They are a top class side. It is just another challenge for us.”
Asked whether there would be any change of strategy because of the humidity, Porterfield said: “Strategy doesn’t change because of the humidity. Obviously, it is slightly more humid than what we have been used to.”
“Coming to India, Eden Gardens you always hear as one of the big grounds. Like going to England and playing at Lord’s. There is a lot of history at the ground and it is massive as well. The lads are looking forward to getting out there. We have got two games here, so its pretty special.”
On two points from four games, Ireland play their last league game against the Netherlands Friday.
Asked whether Kevin O’Brian was going through a lean patch after the England match, Porterfield replied that the middle-order batsman was confident and not struggling at the nets.
“He can come off on any given day and he has had a couple of low scores but he hasn’t faced many balls. He hasn’t been struggling in the nets. He is feeling pretty confident and striking the ball well so I have no complaints about his form.”
Porterfield said the wicket seemed “pretty quick” with a “bit of carry”. “It is going to be a good wicket. We will see what comes of it tomorrow.”