IN exactly 200 days Ireland kick-off World Cup 2015 against West Indies in Nelson. The Sri Lanka A series sorted out a few selection issues, but there are many more…

A is for Australia: Few of the Irish players have any experience of playing on the bouncier pitches down under. Brisbane-born Alex Cusack hasn’t played there for almost ten years, but Sydneysider new cap Nick Larkin blew his chance to impress last week.

B is for Balbirnie: Despite centuries for Ireland A and Lightning recently, the Middlesex man has yet to make even 50 in a dozen appearances for Ireland. He’s made almost 1,000 runs this summer, but just 37 and 2 last week means he is running out of chances.

C is for Cusack: The all-rounder has played just 15 games in three seasons for Clontarf, and his third and last appearance for all sides this summer was on 10 May. His hip is his latest ailment and with CI overseeing his recovery his club don’t expect to see him again in 2014.

D is for Dunn: there were hopes Matt might avail of the Granny Rule, but the Surrey man played down such talk last week: “My main aim is to get into England, that’s my absolute dream,” he told the Deep Extra Cover website.

“Ireland is an option but not something I think will be happening.”

E is for England: Last year Cricket Ireland identified Irish-roots county players Simon Kerrigan and Liam Plunkett as potential recruits, but both have since been called up – and then dropped – by England.

F is for Fixtures: There are three ODIs against Scotland in September, making six games in all this summer – the quietest summer since 1972 when the Troubles meant Ireland played on just five days, both away.

G is for Getkate: Shane had a great start to the season – wickets for MCC and Northern Knights and a trial with Northamptonshire – but took just one wicket in July and his omission from the A team against MCC tells its own story.

H is for Hopefuls: The Sri Lanka A series whittled the fringe down – Larkin, Chris Dougherty, Peter Chase and John Anderson didn’t do enough – but beyond that side the likes of Barry McCarthy and James Cameron-Dow will be itching to force their way in.

I is for Interpros: The Newstalk series has been a mixed blessing for Simmons, with some talent emerging but others blocked by overseas journeymen or retired internationals. It was hoped some county players would come over to play but so far only Balbirnie, Shane Getkate and George Dockrell (once) have done so.

J is for Joyce: The key man in the Irish top order and was in the best form of his life earlier in the summer. That slipped a little but he is still top of the English Division One averages. Dodgy hips need to be nursed; a move to opener could lengthen his Irish career.

K is for Kevin: Sunning himself in the Caribbean? O’Brien is doing anything but, as fifth leading run-scorer and eighth leading wicket-taker in the CPL he is making a serious bid for T20 stardom. The World Cup will be his stage again, and Bangalore the word he will never be let forget.

L is for Leadership: William Porterfield’s captaincy came under scrutiny after the Sylhet disaster when he seemed lost without Trent Johnston at his shoulder, and Inside Edge understands the selectors considered his position. But despite the number of Irishmen gaining captaincy at counties this summer – notably Gary Wilson – Porterfield is still the best man for the job.

M is for Mooney: The health of the North County all-rounder was a worry but the signs are that he has made a good recovery. His omission from the squad for Sri Lanka A was taken to show that he is already inked in for the World Cup.

N is for New or Old?: Warren Deutrom’s public courting of Boyd Rankin has quietened lately, but that can only mean he’s working the back channels. Big Boyd’s return would be a huge boost.

O is for ODIs: Besides three against Scotland in September, there are none on the horizon for Ireland. The tour in October won’t feature any either.

P is for Poynter: Andrew was written off over a year ago but a torrent of runs has put him firmly back in the squad, perhaps even in the team. Captaincy wilted under the Sri Lankan assault last week but he’s now a cert to travel.

Q is for Quicks: The trio who went Down Under last winter – Chase, Graeme McCarter and Craig Young – have all now been capped but Young is the one with his nose in front. McCarter has done well for Gloucestershire but the phrase “needs a yard of pace” has stuck to him and injury robbed him of his chance last week.

R is for Richardson: Should Cusack fail to recover full fitness Eddie will fancy his chances as a death bowler. Picked up five late Sri Lanka wickets in game one but was sent to all parts on Friday. His slower ball is unpickable but he will need a lot more than that.

S is for Spinners: George Dockrell has had a better season than last, but Paul Stirling has only bowled once in a 50-over game for Middlesex, and that for the 2nd XI. Andy McBrine has been a real success with bat and ball and now looks set to make the plane.

T is for Thompson: Injury – luckily! – prevented Stuart bowling against Sri Lanka and he has been blighted by fitness since he broke into the Irish squad. A top-class fielder, if he’s 100% he’s a cert.

U is for Uncapped: At this stage prior to the 2007 World Cup William Porterfield and Kevin O’Brien had played just thrice for Ireland, and Kenny Carroll not at all. All three played in the West Indies. Is there anyone who could make that leap? Trent Johnston thinks Barry McCarthy could.

V is for Victory: Ireland need at least three out of six to make the quarter-finals: West Indies, UAE, South Africa, Zimbabwe, India and Pakistan. Take your pick.

W is for Wicketkeeper: It looks as if Gary Wilson will now be excused any number of blunders but Stuart Poynter’s brilliant century against Sri Lanka could still rattle Niall O’Brien, who has his enemies in the hierarchy.

XYZ is for: (Francis) Xavier Carty, Yannick Noah and Zinzan Brooke, none of whom have any hope of playing for Ireland.

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THE dates for Ireland’s tour Down Under were released last night, with four games in Australia and four in New Zealand: 30 Sept, Queensland Bulls (Gold Coast), 2 Oct, Queensland Bulls (Brisbane), 7 and 9 Oct, Comets/NSW 2nd XI (Canberra), 16 Oct, Northern Districts (Hamilton), 18 Oct, NZ XI (Hamilton), 21 Oct, Canterbury (Lincoln), 23 Oct, Otago (Lincoln)

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Tweet of the week: “There's no respect problems in this team. We do birthday cakes. #HappyBirthdayEddie” @Coachsim13 (Phil Simmons) tells Eddie Richardson he’s no Yaya Toure.

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Meath-born, Nottingham-raised Bobby Gamble has impressed since he arrived at YMCA last summer. His mates came to see him make his Ireland U19 debut, and flew this flag…

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Saturday:

Irish Senior Cup semi-finals: Pembroke v Clontarf, North Down v The Hills

Sunday: Newstalk T20 Interpros: Leinster Lightning v Northern Knights, 11.0; Leinster Lightning v North-West Warriors, 3.30pm Sydney Parade

Monday:

RSA Div1: Railway v Merrion, Clontarf v The Hills, Pembroke v North County, Terenure v YMCA;

Div 2: Balbriggan v Rush, Merrion II v Phoenix, Malahide v Leinster, Cork County v Pembroke II