In Ireland cricket used to be the game that dare not speak its name. We report that the Irish have become enthusiasts. Cricket teams, both male and female, are springing up. Pubs are televising the World Cup from the West Indies. This may be because Ireland have played their way into the Super Eight, by beating Pakistan, one of the best one-day sides. Today they take on England at Providence Stadium, Guyana.

But this is renaissance rather than conversion. Cricket is an older sport in Ireland than the “national” game of hurling. Both are played by striking a small ball with a club not well adapted for the purpose. Both require dexterity, fast reflexes and courage. A pre-Famine commentator complained about “foreign hurling”, while in 1855 Ireland played the Gentlemen of England at cricket in Dublin. The national side toured North America in 1888, and in 1902 they beat an English side including W. G. Grace. In 1969 Ireland bowled a strong West Indies side out for 25. Ed Joyce played for Ireland before switching to England.

So cricket has deep roots in Ireland. It used to be the game for all classes and religious denominations. But its association with garrisons and the big houses diminished support. All the other teams in the last eight are professional. Ireland’s includes a teacher, delivery drivers and a farmer, who is taking time off from his spring lambing.

The Irish and the English share a love of sport, gambling and a pint. The national stereotype is that the Irish are dashing sloggers while the English are elegant stroke-players. The other element of the topsy-turvy game is love of the underdog. This makes even the ranks of Lord’s scarce know for whom to clap politely today.