Johnston played briefly for New South Wales in the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 Australian domestic seasons, but since 2004 has appeared for Ireland in the C&G Trophy, ICC Trophy and captained the side to victory at the 2005 ICC Intercontinental Cup.

Botha is a left-handed batsman and right-arm medium pace bowler, Botha has played provincial cricket for Griqualand West in his native South Africa. He debuted for his adopted country in Ireland's August 2001 C & G Trophy victory over Wiltshire.

Bray is a left-handed batsman. He made the switch to Ireland in 2002, making his debut in Irish List A cricket against Berkshire. He also represented Ireland during the 2005 ICC Trophy, in which the team finished runners up to Scotland.

Kyle is a useful offspinner who has demonstrated good ability with the bat. He took a wicket with his first delivery for Ireland against Wales and followed that by scoring a century in his next match. He then made a positive start to his ODI career with knocks of 46* and 50* against Scotland and the Netherlands - and his 4 for 35 in the second innings against Kenya in the 2005 Intercontinental Cup Final helped secure a memorable victory. He has been around the Ireland set-up for many years having played at various age group levels including being named Man of the Series in the Under-15 Interprovincial Series and was named Trent Johnston's deputy for the 2007 World Cup.

Younger brother of Paul, John is a useful bowler who, despite proving expensive in his international career, does have the knack of dismissing good batsmen. He sent Marcus Trescothick, Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood back to the pavilion on his debut against England, albeit for the cost of 79 runs. He also struck 30 off 26 deliveries in that game coming in at No. 9. He played two games in the 2007 World Cup but was wicketless in both. Afterwards, he took a break from international cricket to complete his electrical apprenticeship, but said he would be back in action for Ireland once he was qualified.

Younger brother of Niall, the Ireland wicketkeeper, Kevin is a stockily built medium-pacer and a classy middle-order batsman. He represented Ireland at the 2004 Under-19 World Cup in which he racked up 241 runs and also struck 35 from 48 balls against England on his ODI debut. Like many of Ireland's batsmen, he had a productive time in Kenya during the 2007 World Cricket League when he was the second-top-scorer with 263 runs at an average of 52.80, including a delightful 142 from 125 balls against the hosts. He was consistent with the bat in the 2007 World Cup and resourceful with the ball, though not devastatingly successful in either discipline. One for the future, certainly.

A confident character and batsman, his combative nature earned him a one-match ban after an outburst at officials during an Intercontinental Cup game with Scotland. He also managed to incense Brian Lara when Ireland defeated the West Indies in 2004, in which he made 58. He was understudy to Geraint Jones at Kent for the 2006 season but Jones losing his England place had a knock-on effect and saw Niall released by the county. A revelation for Ireland in the 2007 World Cup, though, with two fifties and impressing with a remarkable composure for someone so inexperienced at international level. His calm, steady 72 helped Ireland pull of the biggest shock in World Cup history when they beat Pakistan, and a 63 against England underlined his ability, not to mention pluck. He joined the growing number of Ireland players in England for the 2007 season, signing for Northamptonshire

Porterfield's start to his one-day career has been Hussey-esque, already with two centuries to his name. He came back from the recent World Cricket League in Kenya as the tournament's second-highest scorer and averaged 110.66 in his five matches. He took part in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2004 and then spent time at the ICC Winter Training Camp in 2006, later captaining Ireland A that year. While his graduation into the full side has surprised nobody, his immediate success has given Ireland huge cause to be hopeful as they look to the future. An excellent 85 in the 2007 World Cup helped Ireland beat Bangladesh and led to interest from Gloucestershire. However, a first-class deal hasn't arrived yet and time is running out so Porterfield has to be content with the role as Ireland's key batsman. His consistent returns during the 2007 season, including a career-best 166 against Bermuda, were a key part of Ireland's continued success against the Associate

A cattle and sheep farmer from Londonderry, towering over his team-mates at 6ft 8ins tall, Boyd Rankin's obvious main attribute is his height, gaining steepling bounce off a length. But in spite of his inexperience, he showed impressive composure in the 2007 World Cup and finished the tournament as Ireland's leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets at 27. Having spent time on the staff at Lord's, Derbyshire spotted a rising star - in more ways than one - and signed him for the 2007 season. His appearances were limited by injury, but even so he was offered a contract extension. He turned it down and signed with Warwickshire instead.

A hard-hitting allrounder who made a big impression on debut when he smashed an unbeaten 152 against the Netherlands. Batting at No.7 on his debut against England, he hit 40 from 43 deliveries and also hit the winning runs when the Irish embarrassed the West Indies in 2004. He has played in two ICC Trophy tournaments to date, in 2001 and 2005. Although he has a contract with Northamptonshire, he has yet to establish himself, while his offspin is a useful addition to his repertoire. He played in eight of Ireland's nine World Cup matches in 2007 but finished with a top-score of just 38

For a long time, Smits struggled to break into the side with Reinout Scholte keeping him out, but he has improved significantly enough since his rival's retirement for him to be named as the sole wicketkeeper in Netherlands' World Cup squad, and vice captain too. His batting threatened to keep him out of the side but the selectors have kept faith and this will be his second World Cup. He lists Jack Russell as his favourite player and the victory over Namibia in the 2003 tournament in South Africa as his career highlight. He possesses a steady pair of hands and is an excellent motivator in the field. A popular member of the squad, he has plenty of tricks up his sleeve in the dressing room and is constantly initiating banter, although with own nicknames such as Piglet, he takes as much as he gives.For a long time, Smits struggled to break into the side with Reinout Scholte keeping him out, but he has improved significantly enough since his rival's retirement for him to

Palying in T20 World Cup.

Brisbane-born carpenter Alex Cusack is a medium-pace, middle-order allrounder who decided to live in Ireland in 2005 and who made his ODI debut for them against South Africa in 2007, winning Man of the Match for his 36 and 3 for 15. He plays his club cricket for Clontarf in Dublin.

Brother of Richard - who played for Ireland Under-19 - and Ross, who represented Ireland Schools, Paul enjoyed a terrific start to his career in 2007 when he cracked 114 against Netherlands in the European Under-17 Championship, followed by 110 against Scotland for the Under-23s.

Playing in T20 World Cup held in England. 

A former MCC young cricketer, Gary Wilson, the Irish wicketkeeper, signed for Surrey in 2005 as cover for Jon Batty. In 2005 he featured in eight Second X1 matches hitting a highest score of 56. He looked impressive behind the stumps, claming 32 dismissals which included 26 catches and six stumpings. He has also featured in the under 19's World Cup in 2004 and 2006 has played in the ICC Intercontinental Cup in 2005 and 2006. He has also featured for Ireland A. After a solid season in 2007 he extended his contract until 2009.