Is any test playing nations playing against any of the six Associate countries before the World Cup ? I would really like to see all the test playing nations play atleast 2 ODIs against some of the six Associate countries. It would be great support for them

looking forward your opinions and suggestions on associate members. Also, I would like to know if anyone can give past records and future schedule of the six associate countries.

Some teams have been pretty good at this recently

England played Namibia in 3 ODIs on their last tour to South Africa
Australia were scheduled to play Scotland during the recent ashes tour (it was rained off!!)
West Indies played Ireland in 2 (possibly 3) ODIs on their last tour to the UK

Hopefully (though I'm not certain) Pakistan will play Scotland and Ireland this summer. As Yasir Arafat has played for Scotland a couple of times in the last 3 years, I'm hoping that there's already a rapport between Pakistan and Scotland which will help in gaining support for organising such a contest.

England will play Ireland in an ODI this summer, that's all I know really.

I think most govening bodies are reluctant to play the associate countries because of the high workload already within the calendar year.

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James May

it would be a waist of time if teams like Pakistan, England and Australia bowled first it would be over in about 30 overs.

Would you have said the same for Bangladesh versus Australia in the Natwest series Rowan?

I think it's good that the associate teams do get the chance to play the top sides in the world, it gives them good experience and they are able to play a game with some of the best players in the world.

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Watch this for a perfect about.
James May

Exactly, vrock! Only 2 years ago, Ireland defeated the West Indies! And Namibia gave England a decent practise as well. Sure, we're not going to see Scotland beating the Aussies, but they will learn a lot from the experience; and that can only be a good thing!