The Cricket World Cup of 2007 was certainly an entertaining spectacle. The world order of the game was shaken as a whole new set of previously unknown class acts set television screens alight across the nation.

England, naturally, turned in a rather disappointing performance, only managing to become newsworthy or interesting with the assistance of a pedalo. Their closest neighbours, on the other hand, went above and beyond anyone’s expectations.

After eliminating one of the world’s best sides in the group stages, many people gave Ireland, only awarded associate status, renewed thought. Outperforming many of their peers – including heavyweights India and Pakistan who failed to make the Super 8s – Ireland were proving themselves to be better cricketers than anyone had previously given them credit for... and all without the support of the ECB’s cheque book behind them. England may have finished higher in the rankings, but in terms of what was expected and what was achieved, Ireland finished on top.

Whilst Ireland do not play at the highest level, a four-year qualification period in the English domestic scene can enable its players to become eligible for England’s Test side. Middlesex’s Ed Joyce is one who has taken such a path, starring in England’s CB trophy win in early 2007 for the ODI side but it was team-mate (both for Ireland and Middlesex) Eoin Morgan who impressed against South Africa in their tour match this week.

Since his successful England qualification was announced by Middlesex this spring, the runs have flowed. An almost run-a-ball century against some of the best bowlers in the world, including the almost unstoppable Dale Steyn, sends a clear message to England’s flagging top order: There is a wealth of batting talent in county cricket, and those out of form should be worried.

If England’s batting line-up is decimated when the first Test against South Africa starts this Thursday, Morgan’s century against the very same opponents could have the selectors talking. It comes on the back of a stellar county season as Middlesex romp towards Twenty20 finals day, having racked up more wins than any other side. With Andrew Strauss and Owais Shah already doing the business for England, Lord’s seems to be churning out plenty of choice for the selectors.

With Joyce perhaps unjustly cast aside by England, William Porterfield settling in at Gloucestershire and Morgan notching up an impressive performance against England’s latest opponents, it seems that England have benefited most from Ireland’s cricketing talent. At least they have the opportunity to do so.

Whilst Kevin Pietersen blames England’s defeat in the fifth ODI against New Zealand on the failure of its batsmen there must be a chance that a different top six will go into the ODI series against South Africa. Whoever else may be chosen, his century against Graeme Smith’s men must put Morgan in with at least a shout.