With International Cricket taking a short hiatus as the IPL gets underway, those keeping an eye on events in Windhoek were treated to a cracker of a match. Namibia’s Intercontinental Cup clash with the Netherlands paid fitting tribute to the ambition and talent of both teams.
A classic to-and-fro match kept secret the winner until the evening session of the final day, showcasing what can be achieved when two sides of equal ability take each other on. Both teams sit comfortably at first class level, each with a sprinkling of players who could take their game to the next level.
A Timm van der Gugten blitz with the ball and a ruthless, counter-attacking century from Raymond van Schoor lit up the first day and set the tone for the match. Louis Klazinga and Christi Viljoen would grace any first class bowling attack, while even with a target of 320 to chase on the final day, Tom Cooper’s presence at the crease kept the game firmly alive. Cooper is a fine talent and I still believe that in the not too distant future, the Oranje cap will be replaced by a baggy green.
It was a timely reminder of the quality that exists away from the top table, given ICC chief Dave Richardson’s comments in a TMS interview during the New Zealand – England test series (Asked about opportunities to develop into test nations, Richardson declared that the Associates were ‘pretty content with two spaces to qualify for the World Cup’). Granted, you couldn’t describe the match as ‘test standard’, but to suggest that all the Dutch and Namibians care about is qualifying for a world cup is downright insulting.
Four day cricket against sides of similar ability is intrinsic in developing the ability to compete against the best in the world, regardless of format. Suggestions that Associates should only focus on the World T20 ignores the fact that these nations need to develop core skills to begin with, and the best way of doing so is in the longest form of the game. If the match in Windhoek is an sort of indication it appears that the Associates are moving very much in the right direction and with the right mindset.
It also raises the question of the potential for if not a second tier test competition, then at least a more focused approach to 4/5 day cricket amongst the Associates. There would be numerous hurdles to overcome, of course. Broadcasting rights to Scotland v Namibia may prove a hard sell as well as attracting larger sponsors than those already involved. Complete professionalisation of the second tier would also be required to allow regular, meaningful series to take place at a high enough standard – a difficult task given the modest finances and second jobs held by Associate cricketers.
Still, there is scope to improve the current structure and provide a better platform from which a step up to test level could be made. The likes of Ireland, Scotland, Afghanistan, Netherlands and Namibia are not test standard as of yet and it is disappointing that the ICC appear intent on keeping it that way. The Intercontinental Cup offers high quality match-ups between sides that show no fear and an abundant of talent, it’s time they were given more support.
—————————————-
Josh Taylor
Clear Cricket 
Dotski
April 15, 2013
Good article, and seems it was a good game. Main difficulty is, as you allude, ICC not creating a pathway for top I-Cup nations (i.e. Ireland & Afghanistan at present) to prove themselves in FC games vs FMs. We can play FMs at 50 and 20 over formats in World cups (and beat England, Pakistan etc), and most of the first choice Irish team play FC cricket in England, but there’s no promotion pathway for FC, and we can’t even play 3-day games vs Zimbabwe, lest we show up the FM club for what it’s worth. Its ludicrous when you see players like Ed Joyce only being allowed play limited overs internationals, when his game would suit Test better.
If ICC were serious about developing the game, the I-Cup finalists could qualify for for a tournament with Bangladesh & Zimbabwe, playing each other home & away in 5-day format (with County players released as they are for full ODIs, unlike in the I-Cup…). They need more games (Zim especially) and it would show where the strongest ASAF nations really are where it counts, i.e. on the field of play. If we were beaten into 3rd & 4th, it would show/prove how far we have to go. If we didn’t, we would probably deserve more 5-day games vs Bang/Zim and some 4 day games vs Windies, NZealand etc. Given the chance, I think we’d show we were up to it.
Probably the reason we won’t get the chance…
clearcricket
April 15, 2013
Hi Dotski, thanks for the comment. It is an interesting view and, sadly, one which I think is rather close to the truth. The moment you get Ireland or Afghanistan or whoever playing Zimbabwe and beating them, the whole Full Member – Associate Member division gets officially shown as the sham that it is.
Of course, the current situation we find ourselves in – no first class structure in any associate nation, severe lack of facilities, no major backers etc – means that the ICC would never approve of a promotion to full member status. Yet, they are the ones responsible for leaving the Associates in this position!
There really seems no way of breaking the glass ceiling, not while the ICC exist. A more organised second tier first class competition wouldn’t be approved either, as after a few years of teams developing in that, more serious questions will arise about why they can’t progress on to playing tests. We appear stuck with what we have for the foreseeable.
reseexupy.edublogs.org
December 27, 2013
Howdy, I think your blog may be having internet browser compatibility problems.
When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks
fine however when opening in I.E., it’s got some overlapping issues.
I merely wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that,
fantastic blog!
Cricket
January 24, 2015
Now we are waiting for cricket worldcup 2015.
T20 Worldcup 2016
December 28, 2015
Most Talented Batsman .. Proud of Pakistan
http://banvsoma.t20worldcup-2016.com
Bangladesh vs Oman T20 World Cup 2016 Match ICC WC