PakPassion Presents an Exclusive Interview with Iain O'Brien (Questions Thread)

[Saj]

I'm delighted to announce that we will be interviewing Iain O'Brien in the coming week or so.

For those not aware of Iain he is a former New Zealand pace bowler who played in 22 Tests between 2005 and 2009, taking 73 wickets.

He also played first class cricket for Wellington, Leicestershire and Middlesex.

Between 2007 and 2009 he established himself in the Test side, and to a lesser extent, in the ODI side, particularly in the absence of Shane Bond. He was renowned as an 'into-the-wind' bowler who would often bowl at an end that did not offer favourable bowling conditions—especially at Wellington, a ground renowned for strong winds.

He enjoyed much success as a fast bowler for the Black Caps, with great performances against England in the UK, and against the West Indies at home, where he took his best Test figures of 6/75, in a spell of bowling regarded as one of the best in New Zealand.

During New Zealand's tour of England in 2008, he had had similar success, taking 15 wickets at 26.80. Against Pakistan at home in December 2009, he bowled New Zealand to victory by taking 3 wickets while suffering from a broken thumb. In this same series, he took 6 wickets in the next game, including 4/66, dismissing the likes of Salman Butt, Imran Farhat and Misbah-ul-Haq.

In December 2009, he announced his decision to retire from international cricket and this decision prompted Middlesex to sign O'Brien as their overseas player for the 2010 season.

In January of this year O'Brien retired due to a chronic back injury. He had hoped to resurrect his career in Wellington but decided his injury was too serious.

O'Brien has written his own blog and for Cricinfo and has also worked for Sky Sports as a commentator.

The usual format, add your questions in this thread and we will select the best 15 or so for Iain.

[Shayan]

You made your ODI debut in a thrilling tie against England, where both teams finished on 340 in 50 overs. Do you feel New Zealand threw that game away? How nervous were you in the pavilion, as you were the next man in at the end?

[Space Cat]

Is there any special techniques or traits needed to bowl successfully into the wind? Particularly the strong gales you faced at the Basin Reserve over your career.

How hard was the decision to retire from test cricket? especially given that it seemed to come at a time you were performing at your peak for New Zealand.

[style_guru]

1) We see many new fast bowlers in recent times making their debut with a spark, but most of them fade away within no time. Why do you think so happens?

2) Your views on upcoming New zealand fast bowling prospects?

3) What would you advice the young upcoming bowlers upon how they can prolong their careers with less injuries?

[Saj]

Iain what makes a good commentator, insight, technical knowledge, humour or the ability to say things how they are and not sit on the fence?

Your thoughts on Ross Taylor as captain of New Zealand?

[Watsupdoc]

Who's the toughest batsman you have ever bowled to?

Which opposition did you enjoy playing the most against?

[KingKhanWC]

As a twitter user what's your view on cricketers making their views heard(in this way) while under central contracts?

[sehsan]

NZ is one of those team who Qualifies regularly in Semifinal of WC but never made to final, what is the reason behind this?

is there any extraordinary talent in NZ which you think can be a future for NZ cricket?

You have played under Fleming and Vettori. How were these 2 captain different, who do you think was the better captain and why?

You have bowled several top class batsman in the World, who do you think was the toughest batsman you have ever bowled to and why?

[MrPakistan786]

Once again Pakistan play New Zealand in a World Cup match in Sri Lanka in September. After last years success, do you think your team has what it takes to beat Pakistan once again in the shortest format of the game?

[Saj]

You played some of your cricket with Shane Bond, an absolute travesty that he only played in 18 tests, what did you make of his career?

DRS your views on it, with the ICC or with the BCCI?

[Saj]

Last couple of days for questions folks.

[cricketworm]

Your views on, NZ board agreeing to have their few players to play IPL and have window for it.

What about John Wright leaving NZ, who I personally think was very good coach? If I am not mistaking he wanted some power for team selection, do you agree with that? Did NZ Board miss out on this?

Any grudges against ECB's decision for not allowing you to play county anymore?

How is life after Cricket?

Has your baby started to run faster than you?

Do you recall anything about India visiting NZ and won a test at Hamilton? Any unique thing you would like to share? The way India batted and bowled?

I like the way you bowled off cutters. Ok, you are bowling last ball of the match, oppositions need 4 runs in last ball, what would ball? What kind of delivery?

Thanks, Good luck!