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Yet another defeat, but I don't think we'll ever come as close to beating a Test nation as we did today. The Irish batted magnificently - 304 for 9 after being put in, and with the ball doing a fair bit early on.

Eoin Morgan showed the crowd - well, 34 spectators, 62 ground staff, and 14 camera crew just why he is on the books of Middlesex. A chanceless 124, full of shots all round the wicket, was a joy to watch. Am I the only one to think that he's not only a county but a Test player of the near future? Certainly, Stan Mitchell let David Graveney, over here for the semi final featuring England, know that there was another Ed Joyce on the horizon!

Credit too in the batting department to Fintan Mc Allister and Andrew Poynter. They were positive and confident, and didn't look out of place at the Test match venue. Poynter in particular played some exquisite shots, and unlike the Nepal game, managed to rotate the strike, and ran with speed and purpose. If he can get his physique right, he may feature in the Senior side before the summer is out.

The bowlers did everything right in the first 30 overs before Tim Southee and the searing heat and humidity took their toll. Southee struck the ball clean and far, hitting 92 in just 55 balls. The Irish wilted in the heat, but I feel the bowlers could have been rotated a bit more. The various spinners were persevered with, and Southee took a great liking to them, hitting 10 boundaries, 6 of which went 20 yards over the considerable edge of the ropes.

Why the left armer Gavin Mc Kenna wasn't  given an over? - he has been impressive in practise - or indeed why Gill or Mc Darby weren't brought back sooner, were questions that were being asked at the end Still, hindsight is 20/20, and it's easy to be critical from the comfort of the shade.

Despite the loss, none of the Irish coaches resorted to physical violence against their own team. One of the team's competing out here had a player hospitalised, after being assaulted by his coach when they lost. I'm glad he isn't the coach of Ardmore, otherwise casualty at Altnagelvin would be a busy place!

A word on the conditions today - hell on earth isn't too strong. The heat and humidity were unreal. The players are absolutely drained both physically and mentally. It'll be a tough ask for them to raise their game tomorrow against Namibia. There's a lot at stake - win and I get to stay until Monday, lose and I'm drinking Magners and Smirnoff in Mc Courts on Saturday night!

Despite the heat, it seems to be quite mild for the Ugandans, who are parading about wearing woolly hats! God knows what the heat there must be like.

I went on Saturday and watched the Australia versus Sri Lanka game. I witnessed a certain star of the future - remember the name of Moises Enriques, the Aussie captain. He's a big, strong, nasty in your face type of bowler. He got 4 wickets and then for good measure, hit 78 not out as they won by 9 wickets. The Aussies looked good, and it should be a good semi final against Pakistan.

I'm hoping England can beat India - wouldn't it be good to say that we ran the winners/finalists to the last ball? Also, their manager, John Abrahams, ex Lancashire, is a top bloke.

Sunday saw the official tournament photo at the parliament building - I wasn't allowed to attend as an official government permit was needed. My plan 'B' to have one of the squad take a few pics was also scuppered as they were electronically scanned before being allowed in, and cameras were confiscated. The security measures were in place for the arrival of the Sri Lankan President, but in the event, he didn't bother to turn up. Plan 'C' was to have the ICC send me one also went by the wayside, as I was informed that the photo was being taken on film rather than digitally - at least the players were spared having the photo painted by a sketch artist! It has to be said that it hasn't been the easiest competition to cover from a press point of view -the local media out here have been pretty scathing - some of the criticism has been justified, but a lot of it comes across as political squabbling.

I don't know what Ian Callender would make of the press food out here - we get a pizza style box full of rice with a piece of chicken - it was okay the first few days, but I've now reached the "scunnered" stage with it. Full credit to the Galadari Hotel where we are staying though. The food is superb, and they have given myself and Mr Fitzgerald of the Irish Times, free access to the Executive Lounge with it's broadband wireless access - a deal worth $300 each. God, does James have the gift of the gab!

Been a busy week for Irish cricket while we're out here - the EurAsia Series looks an exciting prospect - Adrian has been checking player availabilty, and so far, so good. It won't be easy picking a final 14, and there may be some hard talking to be done before the squad is chosen.

Saqlain Mushtaq has been confirmed as the first of Ireland's overseas players for the C&G; Trophy, with another very high profile player close to signing. The week could well finish with yet another big news story, but as the cliche goes, watch this space!

I've had to buy another suitcase to fit in all the gear I've bought - I don't reckon I'll need another tee or polo shirt till I'm 65. West Indies, here I come!