Kevin O' Brien rates his Bangalore innings in WC better than his first Test Hundred against Pakistan
Kevin O’ Brien has affirmed that his 50-ball century against England in a 2011 World Cup match in Bangalore is still a better innings than his maiden Test hundred against Pakistan. The Ireland cricketer has also noted that they want to play more Test matches, after doing good in their Test debut.
Just like Kevin O’ Brien’s first Test Hundred in Ireland’s debut Test against Pakistan threatened to take the game away from the hands of the visiting team, it was a similar story in India, seven years ago, when O’Brien walked out to bat at 106 for 4, with Ireland chasing England’s total of 327. But his 50-ball century, still the quickest in a World Cup match pushed Ireland to an enthralling win against a quality side like England. Just after his maiden Test
“I’d still rate Bangalore better innings, but this one is certainly up there,” he said.
When Ireland became the 11th Test nation, the things look pale for the debutant side on the fourth day of the match till Kevin O’ Brien’s arrived in the crease. The side could literally smell the victory after a magnificent 118 from the man himself. Talking about the knock, O'Brien replied that they were trying to fight hard against a world-class side like Pakistan and it's coming as a happier note that Ireland produced the best result by a nation on their Test debut since Australia in 1877.
“We stated early on that we were there to win it. We have great respect for the Pakistan team, they are truly world-class, but we had the confidence to believe that we could not only compete but had a chance to win it. I think I read somewhere that it was the best result by a nation on their Test debut
When asked how they are planning to take the good performance against Pakistan, the middle order batsman noted that they want to play more Test matches.
“We now have a taste of Test cricket and we now want more. We need to be nurturing and bringing through fresh faces - giving them a chance to compete against the best, while still having the chance to play alongside some of the more experienced players in the squad. Just seeing how well Stuart Thompson played with both bat and ball, he exemplifies the talent we have coming through. I think under Graham Ford’s (coach) leadership we’ll build a really competitive Test team over coming years,” he suggested.
Ireland’s next assignment will be T20 series against the Indian team scheduled to be played in Bangalore from June 14 to 16.