Senior batsman Ed Joyce believes Ireland will never have a better chance to turn the tables on Australia as they prepare to take on the world champions at Stormont in today's Hanley Energy Challenge One-Day International (10.45am).
Steven Smith leads the visiting side following Michael Clarke's retirement after he bowed out of the one-day game following the demolition of New Zealand in the World Cup final back in March.
Ireland’s own World Cup campaign fell away after a promising start, while their form in the recent World Twenty20 qualifier was decidedly mixed, but Joyce is confident Ireland can cause a big shock.
“We’ve got an experienced side and I think if ever we have a chance of running Australia close or beating them then it’s going to be tomorrow,” said the Sussex player.
“It’s a little bit damp out there and it’ll be a good toss to win I think. They are a team in transition which means they’ll be hungry, but I think they’ll be quite nervous about the game also, or certainly some of their players will.”
One player who will miss out is all-rounder Kevin O’Brien, after he aggravated a hamstring injury he picked up in a recent club game. The Hills’ Max Sorensen comes back into the 13-strong squad for the game, while the other piece of team news saw coach John Bracewell giving Niall O’Brien a chance to reclaim the wicket-keeping duties as he takes over from Gary Wilson.
Smith announced Australia’s starting XI with Queensland opener Joe Burns making his debut.
