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I think Test Status is a very long way off for Ireland but hopefully performances out here will go a long way to us getting full ODI status. Then we can look at Test!

 

 

PakPassion.Net: Nial, how would you rate your performances so far in the super 8's and what are your aspirations for the coming games? Good luck with the rest of the tournament.

Niall O'Brien: Personally I have been very happy with my batting and wicket keeping . It was nice to get runs against England It would have been nice to have 50 overs to bat vs South Africa but even in the short time I batted I felt in good form. As far as the team is concerned I feel we are playing very good cricket. The conditions make it difficult for us to bowl sides out but we are competing in every aspect of our games and this is what we have to do.


PakPassion.Net: What impact has Adi Birrell had on the team?

Niall O'Brien: Adi has brought a real professionalism to Irish cricket . He beleives in doing the basics well and to a high standard . For me Adi has made my career what it is to date he took a chance on me in 2002 when I wasnt being picked as a keeper for my province in Ireland for some reason and he backed me all the way and has worked very hard with me since then. Everytime I play well I think of the times when I was working on my game with him. 


PakPassion.Net: Who is the toughest bowler you faced in Leinster cricket (Naseer Shaukat)?

Niall O'Brien: Leinster cricket??? Well I dont really know of 1 in particular but Nazzer was always difficult, especially when he first came over. Kamal Merchant who played for YMCA was an excellent bowler who gave you nothing to hit. 


PakPassion.Net: First of all congratulations on that wonderful innings against Pakistan. You think that cricket in Ireland is popular enough and the team is strong enough for Ireland to gain test status?

Niall O'Brien: I think Test Status is a very long way off for Ireland but hopefully performances out here will go a long way to us getting full ODI status. Then we can look at Test!!! 


PakPassion.Net: How big of a hand has Trent Johnston played in Ireland's immediate success in international cricket?

Niall O'Brien: I think Trent is a very good player and a fine captain. He's very attacking with bat and ball and also how he skippers the side. He has respect from all on board and I think himself and Adi have a good working relationship.


PakPassion.Net: You'll be plying your trade with Northants for the 2007 season - and by October, you will be 'England qualified'.Can you realistically see yourself breaking into the England setup - esp as there are quite a few contenders for that role (G Jones, C Read, P Nixon, P Foster etc).

Niall O'Brien: For the time being I am concentrating on performing well for Ireland and breaking into the Northants First team. Those are my aims for the immediate future. When I qualify for England nothing will have changed in my view, I will need to play well at County level for a good length of time before any thoughts of me breaking into the England side come into my head. I want to play Cricket at the highest level and hopefully I am going in the right diretcion.


PakPassion.Net: Who is your idol or cricketing hero?

Niall O'Brien: Steve Waugh is my favourite player of all time. I loved the way he played under pressure and I was lucky enough to be coached by him in the summer of 1997.


PakPassion.Net: How would you describe your feelings amd emotions upon beating Pakistan.

Niall O'Brien: I was on cloud nine after our win against Pakistan. It was very draining and it didnt really sink in till the day after. It was an amazing result and the best day of my life.


PakPassion.Net: Did the team seriously think they could pull off this upset?

Niall O'Brien: We believe we can win every game we play . And if we did our disciplines as well as we could we thought there was a chance of an upset.


PakPassion.Net: For all those people who said minnows shouldn't be there, what do you have to say to them now?

Niall O'Brien: I say we are here and staying. We deserve to be here and we are enjoying every minute of it. The ICC are trying to make the game global and we are part of the world game so we should be here . 


PakPassion.Net: Do you believe that Ireland should be given test status given their position as the best of the "minnows"?

Niall O'Brien: No I dont think we should be given Test Status . We are making huge strides but were not there yet. 


PakPassion.Net: Is their any rivalry between you and your brother on the cricket field, especially when batting together? 

Niall O'Brien: There's no rivalry between Kev and myself, we are both happy when each other does well. 


PakPassion.Net: What are the day jobs of Irish cricketers, since most of Irish players dont play cricket professionally(full time)?

Niall O'Brien: Their jobs range from postmen, sales reps, teachers ,delivery men, students , .