Most of the Irish Cricket team’s achievements in recent years have come in far flung corners of the world so the one day international against Australia in Belfast on Saturday was eagerly anticipated, and a 6,000 sell out.
Unfortunately enthusiasm has little effect on the Irish weather and after an initial 45 minute delay to the start of the match, further rain meant that only just over 10 overs or 60 balls were possible before the match was abandoned just before 4pm.
The early stages were difficult with Ian Porterfield and Ed Joyce both out for ducks and Ireland down two wickets before a run had been scored.  Paul Stirling did raise some cheer with a score of 24 and a couple of boundaries but as the rain got heavier the score of 36-3 was unlikely to be added to.
Because play did reach the 10 over stage, patrons were not entitled to any refund but Cricket Ireland moved quickly to stifle any discontent by announcing that ticket holders, once able to supply proof of purchase would be given access to one of the summer games against Afghanistan in Dublin or Bangladesh at Stormont.
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