Ireland Men’s vice-captain was speaking today from the team hotel in Abu Dhabi ahead of tomorrow’s first T20I against South Africa.
You enjoyed success against South Africa in the 2022 T20I series in Bristol, has much changed for you as a player since then?
“I think that was at the start of my new role at the top of the order in T20I’s. I’ve learnt a lot about my own style and what works for me since then. Initially, there was plenty of trial and error of different methods and plenty of failures but I feel more settled now in what I’m trying to do in the format. Batting in T20 cricket can be a bit of a rollercoaster because of the fast demands of the game and it’s been great to be a part of our growth in this format since Heinrich [Malan] took over.”
You’ve batted in a range of different positions in your T20I career, is that flexibility important to you and your role in the side?
“I think if you look at most of the batters in our team at the moment there are regular changes in order and positions. I think when you take up a new role, it’s important to learn about it as quickly as you can so you can make the required impact that the team are looking for. Once you are required elsewhere and the cycle continues. I think this applies to all formats for us and is more relevant as players gain experience.”
What differences are there between the team that played SA in 2022 and the squad today?
“I think there are a lot of similarities with that squad. At the time, it felt like something relatively new but now with a lot of T20I cricket in us we have a group of more established players. We’re unfortunate to be suffering from a few injuries and players missing at the moment but this gives others the chance to make an impact and I’m looking forward to that.”
It’s obviously very important to start this T20 WC cycle well – what has been Heinrich’s message to the squad?
“I think Heinrich’s goal has been for us to use all the experience we’ve gained over the last cycle to refine our skills and tactics. So much has happened over the last two or three years for us with much success, so it’s important to use all that knowledge in what will hopefully be a big [T20I World Cup] cycle for us.”
Details about the series, the squads and broadcast here.