ICC Trophy: Argentinians create big noise on and off the field

For many of the 22 teams which began the ICC Trophy, success was never going to be defined by qualification for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

While the four remaining teams obviously covet one of Associate cricket's three qualifiying places at cricket's biggest showcase, those teams already back home will see victory in a different way.

One of the more obvious examples is Argentina, long one of the ICC Trophy's whipping boys, who have returned to Buenos Aires with their best result in the tournament ever.

The South Americans came into Toronto 2001 viewed by others as no hope to qualify for the second phase of the tournament - instead they came away just a few catches short of playing off for a Super League berth.

Their four wins equalled the total number of victories Argentina has recorded over five previous campaigns - a feat a proud Grant Dugmore, the Argentine national coach, says will have a hugely positive impact on not just the team, but Argentine and South American cricket.

"Everyone has gone home very pleased," Dugmore said from Toronto last week.

"More than anything, it has proved you can produce good cricketers out of South America."

Dugmore, speaking in his role as unofficial ICC Development Officer for South America, said the team's performance sent a message to cricket's pioneers in other outposts.

"In terms of globalisation, people in countries like Chile, where they are trying to get junior development going, can look at this and see what can be done - that you can develop cricket in an alien environment.

If we continue to produce results like this, then maybe the ICC will look at South Ameica and think it it is worth investing more money into there."

While the Argentine success may benefit the bigger picture, Dugmore is especially pleased for the players, especially the senior members of the squad, who endured a considerable share of the 27 defeats at previous tournaments.

"Right throughout the months leading up to this the players have been very enthusiastic - sacrificing a lot of time leading up to it getting fit and practicing and it showed. For the senior guys like our captain, Guillermo Kirschbaum, it was his fourth ICC Trophy and probably his last, so it was very pleasing for him to see the team do well."

It was enthusiasm which everybody at the tournament hotel could not ignore. "We became famous here for the way we celebrated our wins - everyone in the hotel would know on our return that we had won."

That attitude also gave the squad an advantage in some tight matches.

"Against Malaysia we scored 111 runs from 14 overs to win - Malcom van Steeden came in and blasted 17 runs off his first over faced - it was that sort of spirit which typified the side."

Indeed, van Steeden's carnage was part of a violent 69 run assault which he and Paul Ferguson smashed from less than six overs during the run chase. Two partnerships saw 53 runs hammered from 34 balls to give Argentina a deserved win over the Second Division Group B favourites.

Paul Ferguson, the team's leading run scorer, and opening bowler, Lucas Paterlini, were Dugmore's pick amongst a squad which he was all equaly proud of. "In our group, there was no bowler who was faster than Lucas."

So what was most satisfying for Dugmore?

"We came here ranked last (apart from the debut teams) and now we're in the top half."