Published: Jan 19, 2015, 12:59 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 19, 2015, 12:59 PM (IST)
Jan 19, 2014
Kevin O’Brien, who scored the fastest World Cup century during the 2011 edition, hopes to replicate the past heroics.
“It was a great day and hopefully something that can happen again in the future. That would be fantastic,” O’Brien was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia’s official website.
Speaking about his 50-ball century, O’Brien said, “It was kind of a blur at the time.”
“I was batting and kind of in the zone, I suppose, and wasn’t thinking too much.”
“I was just looking to hit the ball as best I could and it’s something that come off on the day and got us over the line. It was obviously a great day for me personally and for the team – it is always pleasing when an Irish team in whatever sport beats England.”
Ireland was preparing for the World Cup at United Arab Emirates few months back.
“We’ve learned a lot about the conditions in Australia and New Zealand, so it’s been a really good preparation from that side of things,” O’Brien said.
“We’ve all improved as individuals and as a team.”
An upbeat O’Brien said, “There’s a slightly different balance to the squad this time around. We’ve got a lot more young guys, especially bowlers, coming into the team.”
“We’re not going to look too far ahead in terms of the games or the pool. We just know we need to play good cricket and if we can do that, hopefully we can get a few victories and hopefully make it through to the knockout stages.”
Ireland got youngsters in the likes of fff-spinner Andrew McBrine and Middlesex batsman Andrew Balbirnie.
“We’ve also got the likes of (Middlesex batsman) Paul Stirling, who is 24, and (Somerset bowler) George Dockrell is only 22.”
Kevin is the son of former Irish cricketer Brendan O’Brien.
“I had a good time growing up, watching as much cricket as I could and playing as much as I could with my brothers,” he said.
“We were a very sporting family, obviously dad playing for Ireland meant cricket was always in the blood, but we played everything: cricket, hockey, football, a bit of tennis.
“We played anything with a ball.”
Having played with brother Niall, Kevin said it has been an honour representing the nation at the World Cup.
“Playing international sport is a great achievement and it’s a very proud moment to pull on the jersey,” he said.
“I think it makes it even more special when you have your brother or sister playing the same game and pulling on the same jersey with you, so it’s a great experience for myself and Niall to be able to have.”
Despite, registering his name in the record books, O’Brien remains humble about the opportunities that has come his way.
“I’ve been fortunate to play with and against some of the best players in the world over the last couple of years,” he said.
“It’s been a great learning experience for me as a player and as a man away from cricket.”
“I want to keep enjoying playing cricket and experiencing different cultures around the world.”
O’Brien also dreams of playing Test cricket.
“It would be a very proud day for me if I’m around to step on the pitch in Ireland’s first Test match.”
Speaking about Irish fan support during the 2015 World Cup, O’Brien said, “I think a lot of Irish people living in and around Australia (will get behind the team).”
“Unfortunately we don’t play in Sydney, but hopefully people will make the trip down to Canberra or up to Brisbane and come and support us and watch us play,” he concluded.
