Published: Mar 09, 2016, 08:34 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 09, 2016, 02:50 PM (IST)
Ireland will take on Oman in fourth match of Round 1 of the ongoing ICC World T20 2016 at Dharamsala on Wednesday. The Irish side that is fighting for a place in the Super 10 stage of the World Cup have made four appearances in World T20 so far, missing the inaugural edition in South Africa in 2007. Ireland is teamed up with Oman, Netherlands and Bangladesh in Group A, and the topper from the group will go on to join India, Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan in the next level. Ahead of this match against Oman, Sakshi Gupta spoke to Irish wicketkeeper-batsman Niall John O’Brien about his shaky form, Ireland’s inexperienced bowling attack, chances in World T20 2016 and more.
CricketCountry (CC): Did you watch the final of Asia Cup T20 2016? Do Ireland stand a chance against Bangladesh in Round 1 of ICC World T20 2016?
Niall O’Brien (NOB): Yes, yes, I watched the final. I watched every match of the Asia Cup 2016. India played brilliantly in the final. [It was a] very professional run chase where India indeed showed their class and skill. Although Bangladesh lost, they played very good cricket. And yes, of course we stand a chance against them [Bangladesh]. Ireland have played many a time against these them, and Paul [Stirling], Kevin [O’Brien] and I have played in the Bangladesh Premier League; so we know a lot about Bangladesh. Speaking about their game, they have been playing some really good cricket lately, but I don’t see a reason why Ireland cannot beat them because we have the ability.
CC: Ireland lost to Netherlands in the semi-final of 2015 ICC World T20 Qualifiers. Do you think Ireland can go past these opponents in Round 1?
NOB: Oh yeah. Netherlands have beaten us twice in the last few meetings. They are a very good team but we know them well now and if we try and work on skills and abilities, there is no reason why we cannot come on the top.
CC: One of the poorest results for Ireland in 2015-16 was losing to Scotland in the three-match T20I series at home in July. Have Ireland got any better since then?
NOB: Yes, but in that series we did not field a full-fledged team. We tried a lot of varieties and gave a lot of new players a chance to play on the international level. So, yeah, since we did not have the main team the result did not go in our favour. However, that was in 2015 and this is 2016; we are not looking back into the past; we are just focussing on our future.
[inline-quotes align=”left”]In India there is an expectation that every ball goes for a six, so he [Kevin] will have to not get carried away and should be able to judge the right ball.[/inline-quotes]
CC: If Ireland qualifies for Super 10, they group up with the likes of India, New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan. Are the boys nervous to enter that giant group?
NOB: Not at all, no way! We are looking forward to play all those sides! In fact, we are quite looking forward to play India, Pakistan and others in the Super-10 stages.
CC: The likes of William Porterfield and Paul Stirling have been in the team for ever. Tell us about the impact and experience these guys bring along in the team.
NOB: Porterfield has been with the national side for more than a decade now; Paul, almost eight years. In fact, even Kevin has been with the side for almost 10 years. These guys play a huge role, and the youngsters surely look forward to them in order to improve their game.
CC: Will Ireland’s fate once again revolve around your brother Kevin’s performance?
NOB: Yes, he is a big part. He is a very important player with both bat and ball. But we do have many players who can match his abilities so we do not want to put too much pressure on him. At the end of the day it is a team effort.
CC: Does he [Kevin] feel the pressure whenever that happens? Do you guys talk about it?
NOB: No, we do not talk about it too much. It’s all about the pressure and it is a part of international cricket. However, in India there is an expectation that every ball goes for a six, so he will have to not get carried away and should be able to judge the right ball.
CC: You have 4 single-digit scores from your last 6 T20I innings. Is it a tense situation for you ahead of this big tournament?
NOB: Nah, not too much. I do not really think too much. What is gone is gone. Right now I am just concentrating on my upcoming innings.
CC: Spin plays a huge role on Indian tracks. Will youngsters George Dockrell and Andy McBrine manage to take the huge responsibility?
NOB: Pitches here have not turned as much as we thought, but spin obviously has a big role to play. Although both George and Andy are young, they are experienced and have good heads on their shoulders.
CC: Lastly, will Ireland manage to get a Test status soon?
NOB: There is now a pathway to Test cricket through ICC InterContinental Cup winners, who will play four matches with the lowest-ranked Test side with the chance to attain Test status. We are currently top of the table with three wins from three matches, and are in a good position to win the tournament.
CC: Thank you for your time, Niall.
(Sakshi Gupta, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a sports fanatic whose mantra in life is “do only what you enjoy.” Her Twitter handle is @sakshi2929)
