“You’ve got about 0.3 of a second to react.”
Those are the words of Ireland’s most capped cricketer Kevin O’Brien following Ireland’s first ever test match against Pakistan in Malahide last week.
You can hear the interview in full below;
O’Brien spoke about Ireland’s good performance in the game where he received a man of the match award and scored over 100 runs. Even though it was a loss for the Irish the feeling was optimistic after the match.
“I seem to have good timing”, joked O’Brien when asked about his century scored.
“The game last week was a huge effort from the team and everyone behind the scenes.”
Cricket can be a dangerous sport with the ball being bowled at a speed of 80 miles per hour and higher. Kevin was asked about what he does to prepare himself to face such high speeds and the possible danger.
“Every bowler has a different pace; it’s not easy it takes a lot of concentration a lot of preparation and practice leading into the game.”
“Batting is based on instinct, you practice certain shots for a long period of time so when you get into the game situation it becomes like autopilot.”
O’Brien also mentioned what safety gear he and other batters wear in games.
“Everything from helmets, gloves to protect your fingers, pads for your legs, a box to protect the crown jewels and thigh pads.”
The question was raised on why it took so long for Ireland to gain test status to play against the top teams such as Pakistan and India on a regular basis.
“For years the ICC (International Cricket Council) which is like the FIFA of cricket, there have been ten test teams which are like the premier league. We’d be in division one or the championship.”
“A few years ago we applied for full membership to the ICC, with that comes added funding and more matches versus bigger teams.”
“So hopefully cricket Ireland will have more fixtures at home and abroad in the future.
The first of those games coming up on June 27th and 29th in twenty twenty cricket against India.
Also on this morning’s show were Leinster’s Leo Cullen and Rhys Ruddock alongside Munster’s Johan Van Grann following the blues narrow Pro 14 semi final win at the RDS. Shamrock Rovers' Graham Burke on his first Ireland senior international call up. St. Pats manager Liam Buckley on their fine form recently and Bohemians coach Trevor Croly following their loss to Dundalk. Daniel McKenna of Wolves currently on loan at Bray Wanderers joins us on our Irish abroad series.
Listen to the show in full below;
Now That’s What I Call Sport is live every Sunday morning from 9am.
