Hall in a race against time to be fit to face Bangladesh

CRICKET/Under-19 World Cup: Ireland are racing against time to get James Hall fit for tomorrow's match against Bangladesh, which the national side must win to stand any chance of reaching the Super Series stage of the Under-19 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

Hall announced his arrival in Malaysia last week by top scoring with 70 not out against Papua New Guinea in a practice match but was then immobilised by a calf injury that has responded slowly to treatment.

Ireland coach Brían O'Rourke said: "James is a key player for us, not only as a batsman who can score quickly and make big runs but his off spin bowling also gives us another option."

Hall's experience at the top of the order - he was one of four players to feature in the last Under-19 World Cup in 2006 - was missed as Ireland were bowled out for 109 on their way to a 10-wicket defeat by England on Sunday.

The task awaiting Ireland in their second Group D game was underlined yesterday when Bangladesh bowled out Bermuda for 82 to win their opening game by a massive 178 runs to join England at the top of the table.

IRELAND (from): Greg Thompson (capt), Ben Ackland, Andrew Balbirnie, Andrew Britton, Christopher Dougherty, Shane Getkate, James Hall, Richard Keaveney, Theo Lawson, Graham McDonnell, Gavin McKenna, Lee Nelson, Stuart Poynter (wkt), James Shannon, Paul Stirling.

SCHEDULE: Tomorrow - Ireland v Bangladesh; Feb 21st - Ireland v Bermuda; Feb 24th-Mar 2nd - Super Series; Feb 24th-Mar 1st - Plate competition.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times