April 15, 2007	Sunday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 26, 1428

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BRIDGETOWN, April 14: Ireland coach Adrian Birrell said on Friday his team's confidence had taken ‘a bruising’ after the thrashing suffered at the hands of defending champions Australia in the World Cup Super Eights match.

Australia sealed their semi-final place with what captain Ricky Ponting called ‘a pretty easy’ nine-wicket victory after bowling the Irish out for just 91 and then reaching their target in 12.2 overs.

Ireland, now eliminated, must raise their game and their spirits before they face Bangladesh on Sunday in Barbados, for what they see as a winnable match and maybe a chance to avoid finishing bottom in the standings.

Ireland's campaign so far has been about fighting qualities and managing to stay in games even against fancied sides like South Africa and New Zealand, and also England.

Australia, seeking a third straight title, were a different proposition, as they restricted Ireland to 2-3 at one stage with opening bowlers Glenn McGrath and Shaun Tait, bowling in excess of 90 miles per hour (145 kilometres per hour), proving too much.“We really struggled against their bowlers,” Birrell told reporters. “We survived against the others but didn't survive here. They looked a different class.

“It seems like every team we come up against is better than the last. We said that about New Zealand but this was a gruelling experience.

“To face that sort of pace from one end and consistency from the other. McGrath has been the best bowler in the world for a long time and we struggled against him.

“It hurts to be beaten like this,” Birrell added. “We have taken a beating against these guys but we have to focus on the next game and pick ourselves up but there is some bruising there.”

Captain Trent Johnston, who was playing against the country in which he was raised like team mates Jeremy Bray and Dave Langford-Smith, was philosophical about the result and said he remained proud of his team for playing without fear.

Johnston would now do all he could to ensure Ireland return to their competitive best against Bangladesh, he said.—Reuters