Success on the small stage

Success on the small stage

Davison is one of Canada's star players

The problem facing non-Test playing nations such as Canada is lack of high-class competition.

In the two years leading up to the 2003 World Cup, they have mainly played local sides from the respective countries they have visited.

Undoubtedly their greatest moment in recent years came when they qualified for the World Cup after coming third in the 2001 ICC Trophy.

Wins over Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Fiji saw them advance to the Super League.

They played old rivals the United States, after a defeat against Namibia and a win against Denmark.

A very good batting performance, especially from captain Joseph Harris, who made 79, saw off the USA by 121 runs.

Despite losing to Ireland, Canada made it through to the third-place play-off stage, where five wickets from Sanjay Thuraisingham ripped out the heart of Scotland's batting line-up.

Maraj has been a key player for Canada

A half-century from Ishwar Maraj and good support lower down gave Canada a deserved five-wicket victory.

Canada, with a fairly settled side, sought to impress in the most high-profile tournament of 2002 for the North Americans - the ICC Six Nations Challenge.

Although Canada won just one game against fellow World Cup opponents Namibia, they performed admirably throughout the tournament.

More impressive bowling from Thuraisingham and batting from Australia first-class player John Davison will give them hope for the main event.

The recent Red Stripe tournament - a permanent fixture in Canada's calendar - allowed the players the opportunity of a bit of fine-tuning.

Two hopefuls, Abdool Samad and Fazil Samad impressed enough in the following series victory over West Indies 'A' in August 2002, to earn themselves a place in the squad.

That victory was evidence that Canada had the depth to challenge good one-day sides and an indication that they may cause an upset at the World Cup.