Irish eye World Cup repeat

It will be England's first appearance in an ODI in Dublin and even with the likes of Kevin Pietersen, James Anderson and Graeme Swann missing from the line-up, the sense of anticipation in the Irish camp is intense.

Ireland famously beat England in the World Cup earlier this year and that has added to the hype surrounding the re-match.

"It's obviously massive," Porterfield told Sky Sports News. "There's been a lot of build-up and hype about it especially after the World Cup, so it is going to be a good occasion."

Temporary stands have been erected for a sell-out crowd of 5,000 at a ground that is more reminiscent of a club venue than an international stadium.

Porterfield added: "The crowd are going to be on top of the players. When we played Australia here a couple of years ago it was a full house and a pretty good atmosphere, so it makes for a pretty good occasion."

And the Irish are keen to build on the momentum that World Cup win gave the game in the Emerald Isle.

"No one takes us lightly anymore when they come over here and it's going to be a good game of cricket. We are looking forward to it," Porterfield said.

Wonders

"For the people back home the key was beating England, like in any sport - get one over on them - and we managed to do that at the World Cup. It did wonders back here and hopefuly we can keep that going and keep Irish cricket moving forward."

As for the England side making the trip across the Irish Sea, Porterfield said: "To be honest it doesn't really matter who comes. It is a one day international against England as far as we are concerned. Whoever puts on the shirt for them doesn't bother us, we are going out there to play against England and that's all we care about."

"For the people back home the key was beating England, like in any sport - get one over on them - and we managed to do that at the World Cup. It did wonders back here and hopefuly we can keep that going and keep Irish cricket moving forward."
Will Porterfield Quotes of the week

Ed Joyce has played for England in the past but will be representing his homeland on Thursday, against a side that has just taken over at the top of the Test rankings after an emphatic 4-0 series win over India.

Jouce said: "They have dominated and it's great to see. They are playing a great brand of cricket and are number one in the world, so fair play to them. They are a very good side. In ODI cricket they will be gunning to get up to number one as well, but we wil be here tomorrow trying to stop them doing that."

Joyce also reckons this England side represents the future. "People like James Taylor and Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes - we have seen a lot of them in county cricket and they are special talents," he said. "I think those guys will be around England set-ups for a long time to come.

"So that will be exciting for the Irish public. It will be a good occasion because these guys coming in are very good players.

"These guys will be in ODI squads going forward from here. It is not as under-strength as people are making out. They will obviously be a huge test for us and we are looking forward to giving them a good game."