Watch out for WC minnows - Marsh

Australia Test great Rod Marsh on Monday warned the major countries not to take the smaller cricketing nations lightly at this month's World Cup.

Marsh, 63, the Director of Coaching at the International Cricket Council's Global Academy in Dubai, has worked with players from Ireland, Kenya, the Netherlands and Canada extensively over the past two years in preparation for the tournament from February 19.

"I am not saying one of those teams will win the World Cup, but I am saying they will give a very good account of themselves," Marsh told Australian Associated Press from Dubai. "These guys have prepared probably better than most of the Test nations, because they haven't had all the other competitions and distractions. "Australia and England, for example, have had the Ashes and a long one-day series."

Ireland reached the Super Eight stages in 2007 and Marsh believes they have the talent to repeat that achievement this year.

"Ireland are always well prepared, they have experienced players, most are playing county cricket and they are in pretty good shape," he said. "They actually think they can win the tournament and not just compete, which I think is fantastic." AFP