Steve Waugh's days of hammering England are long gone but the the former captain could not resist a cheeky barb at the Old Enemy. Eoin Morgan's England team has made a tardy start to the World Cup while his native Ireland are unbeaten after two games and a serious chance of making the quarter-finals. "A couple of their players might have regretted going to England, like Boyd Rankin and Eoin Morgan - they might be wishing they'd stayed with Ireland," said Waugh, who played in eight Ashes series victories, including two as captain. Plans are in place for the 2019 World Cup to be pared back to a 10-team tournament but Waugh has been encouraged by the progress of the associate nations. Ireland's successful start has been celebrated while the UAE and Afghanistan have been highly competitive against Test-playing members. "In previous World Cups that's been the weakness, the affiliates or lesser-known countries haven't been up to scratch," he said. "This time around they've been very competitive and look like they're going to win quite a few games. I think it's a great thing for world cricket that they've really improved." Waugh, like former West Indies great Michael Holding, believes Ireland are ready for Test cricket. "If any side's going to come into Test cricket, they're definitely the next cab off the rank," Waugh said. "Right now they'd give Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and West Indies a good run for their money in Test cricket."

AB tidies up his act

It's unsure how much advice A.B. de Villiers will take from Martin Crowe's open letter to him, but it appears he has already followed the New Zealand legend's grooming tips by having a shave. Crowe had felt de Villiers' appearance was flowing through to his game. The world's No.1 ranked one day international batsman, who has managed only 98 runs in four innings since his record-breaking century against the West Indies last month, turned up at his pre-game press conference with less grass on his wicket than previous days. "Have a shave, AB, you look ragged and rattled. Smarten up. A touch of polish is required," Crowe wrote in a column for Cricinfo website. "Since that 31-ball ton, you have got a bit sloppy."

Press-room pressure

Still on A.B. de Villiers, was the Proteas skipper playing mind games with his West Indies counterpart Jason Holder on Thursday? De Villiers arrived early so sat in with reporters, albeit in a corner up the back, for Holder's press conference. De Villiers said it was an "uncomfortable" experience. "I didn't want to put him off, you know. It will feel a little bit intimidating for me to sit here with the captain sitting in the background," de Villiers said. "So I was trying to pretend like I'm not listening or just not to make eye contact just to make him feel a bit more comfortable." Or he could have done what Steve Smith did during the Sydney Test against India and waited outside.

Bankstown final possible

This summer's Sheffield Shield final will be played in Bankstown if the top-of-the-table NSW earn hosting rights. It would be the second time in consecutive seasons the Blues could not play the March 21-25 decider at the SCG. Last year the World Series baseball was to blame, forcing a move to Manuka Oval, this time the famous old ground is in World Cup mode. Blacktown International Sportspark is also out of action due to a ground-sharing agreement with the AFL, leaving Bankstown as the best available suburban venue.

From pest to guest

Kudos to Mark Taylor and several other former Australian captains who have taken time out to help an Indian cricket tragic expand his museum. Tonk loyalists will be aware of Rohan Pate, who three seasons ago was flying around Australia chasing the autograph of every World Cup winner. He's back now to collect more cricket memorabilia for his Blades Of Glory museum in Pune. But rather than be viewed as a pest, he's been treated like a guest. So much so Taylor and Ricky Ponting have taken him into their homes and donated items, while Steve Waugh set aside half an hour from his busy schedule and Ian Chappell met him outside a restaurant. Next on his list are Neil Harvey, Bob Simpson, Arthur Morris and Richie Benaud.