![]() While Ireland have been disappointed by their lack of opportunities - they played fewer ODIs against Full Members from 2011 to 2015 than 2007 to 2011 - O'Brien has remained a formidable cricketer for them, and hit 84* from 47 balls to secure a tie against Pakistan in 2013. By the end of 2014 he had played for four English counties, and in T20 competitions in Bangladesh, the West Indies and New Zealand. In the years since, O'Brien developed into a regular presence on the domestic T20 circuit, although his primary contract is with Cricket Ireland. Stocky and with his hair dyed pink, in aid of a cancer charity, O'Brien instantly became a poster boy in Ireland and beyond. It was the highest successful run chase in World Cup history and imbued new urgency into Ireland's claims for greater opportunities against Test-playing sides. Entering the fray with his team 106-4 - and soon 111-5 - in pursuit of England's 327, he hit six huge sixes in a 50-ball century - the fastest in World Cup history - to set up a historic three-wicket win. Kevin O'Brien wrote his name into Irish cricketing lore with a magical innings against England on a balmy March evening in Bangalore. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |