Ireland given World Cup lifeline

Associate nations such as Ireland and Scotland have had their hopes of playing in the 2015 World Cup renewed after the International Cricket Council (ICC) made changes to the number of teams due to compete in the event.

It was previously decided that only the ten full member sides in world cricket would be welcome at the showpiece tournament, which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand in four years.

This meant that associate outfits such as Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands would miss out on a spot.

But the ICC has opted to revert to the 14-team format that was utilised earlier this year when India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh hosted the competition.

The result of this is that the lesser sides will have the chance to pack their cricket bags and head down under.

Ireland caused a significant surprise at the 2011 World Cup when they beat England in the group stage.