Ireland set to recall Botha for Bangladesh test

Botha, 31, strained his left hamstring playing touch rugby in a practice session and has since had to sit out matches against New Zealand and Australia, who crushed Ireland by nine-wickets yesterday after bowling them out for 91.

''We are very keen that he does play,'' Ireland coach Adrian Birrell told Reuters today. ''We are going to make a decision in the morning.

''If he makes it he would strengthen our batting and he has been our best bowler for some time so we would very much like him to play in this match.'' The mostly amateur Ireland team unexpectedly qualified for the second stage after a shock win over Pakistan but they remain rooted to the bottom of the Super Eights standings after four successive defeats.

But they feel the contest against Bangladesh is the one Super Eights match they could win, even though the sub-continent side will be favourites for the match after their stunning 67-run win over South Africa last week.

Botha's presence as a middle-order batsman and a reliable seam bowler would help their cause. He claimed two wickets for five runs from eight overs in the win over Pakistan.

''It's obviously our biggest game and one which we feel we are capable of winning but we must also make sure that Andre can get through the game,'' added Birrell.

Ireland's final game will be against Sri Lanka in Grenada on Wednesday.

REUTERS DH RAI2122

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