Dubai. Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien whose name figures in Irish cricket history for his match winning century against England in 2011 World Cup in Bengaluru, gave invaluable tips to Cricket School of Excellence (CSE) Cricket Academy youngsters that toured Ireland recently.
Speaking to Gulf News, Obaid Hameed, the head coach of the academy, said: “We became the first ever academy from UAE to visit Ireland and it was a special experience. The tour to a country which just got its Test status made it enjoyable as we got to interact with a player like O’Brien but also play some very competitive matches.”
CSE team youngsters Ronak Panoly and Vriitya Aravind who had cracked centuries for Dubai Cricket Council (DCC) Under-16 team to post a mammoth 238 runs partnership in the UAE Under-16 Inter Emirates cricket tournament against Sharjah Cricket Council Under-16 team at Skyline University ground in April carried their form to Ireland and scored heavily.
Incidentally the tour was organised by Cricket Ireland with support from some of their top players lead by Kevin O Brien. “O’Brien even conducted a master class for the youngsters. We did the 14 day trip to Ireland mainly due to support from Ireland Cricket O’Brien and John Anderson,” added Hamid.
CSE fielded a very strong squad on the tour that included Panoly, Aravind and skipper Ali Sharafu. They bagged the best performance awards on tour and were highly praised by cricket Ireland.
CSE managed to win four of their sevengames. “ I am extremely pleased with the way the lads. They showed a lot of character both on and off the field. Many think that cricket is not a major sport in Ireland but in all fairness this was our most competitive tour so far. We have toured England, Sri Lanka and South Africa most recently but the quality of oppositions was by far the best in Ireland,” said Hamid.
Talking about O’Brien’s interaction with the youngsters, Obaid said: “O’Brien got involved with the lads sharing his expertise and the challenges of playing professional cricket. It was great for Kevin to get involved and share his experience with the boys, He is a great icon representing not just associate cricket but has made a name for himself in international cricket also playing top leagues around the world. He stressed on the fact that no matter how big an opposition having self-belief and backing your ability is your biggest strength.
Ronak Panoly won the best all rounder award scoring 205 runs and bagging 10 wickets while skipper Ali Sharfu amassed 310 runs with four back to back half centuries and claiming 11 wickets. He was also awarded best fielder on the tour nominated by Cricket Ireland.
