Brown hopeful of successful campaign for Cook Islands

Chris Brown, captain of the Cook Islands, is hopeful that his side can improve on its previous performances at the ICC East Asia-Pacific Trophy next month.

Check out this interview with the ICC EAP website.

The Cook Islands performed well at the previous Men's Trophy, finishing third. What has the team been working on to move further up the ladder?

To get the basics right, including building an innings, batting the full 50 overs and bowling fewer extras.

Who is a player to watch from the Cook Islands team that you expect will perform well throughout the tournament?
Tino ETITA. Tino had a pretty good tournament in Auckland but know he is really looking to prove himself in this tournament. He is a solid top order batsman and lively right arm bowler.

How has the team responded to the inclusion of the Twenty20 fixture to the 2009 tournament?

We are focused on the 50 over format as it provides a pathway into the World Cricket League however the guys I'm sure will enjoy the 20 over game where they can play their natural game and express themselves.

What is your number one tip for keeping players fresh throughout the tournament?

Monitoring their workload e.g. overs bowled, rest periods and using recovery practices like end of day pool sessions to assist with recovery.

Which team are the Cook Islands most eager to face on the cricket pitch and why?

Primarily Vanuatu as they are favourites and perhaps our biggest challenge to securing a place in the World Cricket League and certainly the home side Samoa, because as hosts they will want to perform well.