Ireland cricketers will ‘target every team’ at World Cup
The Ireland cricket team begin their ICC Cricket World Cup campaign against the West Indies on Monday and their intention is to be a lot more than plucky underdogs.
The Irish have recorded unexpected victories in past World Cups, most famously over England in 2011. But they go to Australia and New Zealand with even more ambitious plans.
Breakingnews.ie spoke to the Ireland coach Phil Simmons and some of the players before they headed down under.
“We want to win five matches out of the six rather than just two or three matches to qualify for the next round,” Simmons said. “We want to be consistent.”
“@irishcricket1: The @Irelandcricket support staff - team behind the team. pic.twitter.com/Zf0GW64L0I” #BackingGreen
— Cricket Ireland (@cricketireland) February 9, 2015
The Trinidad and Tobago native has coached Ireland since 2007 and insists this high standard is the only attitude for Ireland to take.
“If you stop targeting teams, and say we are going to lose against this team then you’re going to play bad cricket,” he explained.
“We have to target every team and try and play at the same level every time. That’s the way we look at things.”
Ireland are in Group B of the competition along with South Africa, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Zimbabwe and United Arab Emirates.
Their first game is against West Indies on February 16 and Ireland vice-captain Kevin O’Brien said the focus is firmly on getting a good start in that opening match.
“The first game in any tournament is the biggest game so that's the one the eyes are on,” he said.
“If we can start with a victory against the West Indies it sets us up beautifully for the rest of the campaign.
“I think there's two games that we have to win if are to qualify for the quarter-finals and that's the UAE game and also the Zimbabwe game.”
O’Brien’s performance against England in 2011 earned him a place in cricket history - making the fastest century ever in a World Cup in just 50 balls.
Naturally then he has no fear of the bigger teams and like his coach backs Ireland for some good results against the traditional cricket strongholds.
“We play five test teams in the group; hopefully we can get a victory or two against them and get through to the knock-out stages.”
Once they reach the quarter-finals and knock-out games anything is possible and the cricketers are keen for the chance to play in those high profile games.
O’Brien’s teammate Alex Cusack said Ireland had to take the opportunities to shine on such a big stage and push the argument for inclusion in more tournaments.
“Obviously you want to be doing well every time you go out and play for Ireland,” Cusack said.
“Anytime we can beat a big side it puts us back out there in the eyes of the ICC or whoever makes those decisions.
“If we can do that then great, maybe help us along the way to get more games against bigger sides and down the line test cricket.”
When asked about preparations, O’Brien said the squad were pleased with the work of the last few months and ready for the tournament.
“Really good. I think the team, we're prepared very well,” he answered. “We've had a very busy 4 or 5 months and we're really in good spirits. The guys are in form and looking forward to getting going.”
Simmons agreed that the side had done all the preparation they could and were fully focused on the job ahead.
He said: “Preparations have been brilliant. Now all the guys are looking forward to getting started.”
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