Ireland “Quietly Confident”: Kevin O’Brien
“We’ve also got the likes of (Middlesex batsman) Paul Stirling, who is 24, and (Somerset bowler) George Dockrell is only 22.”
The son of Ireland cricketer Brendan, O’Brien has been playing for his country since its inaugural one-day international in 2006.
Coming from a cricketing background meant he was familiar with the bat and ball from a young age, but it was by no means his only childhood sporting activity.
“I had a good time growing up, watching as much cricket as I could and playing as much as I could with my brothers,” he said.
“We were a very sporting family, obviously dad playing for Ireland meant cricket was always in the blood, but we played everything: cricket, hockey, football, a bit of tennis. We played anything with a ball.”
O’Brien has played alongside older brother Niall in both of Ireland’s Cricket World Cup appearances to date, an experience he said made the honour of representing his country even greater.
“Playing international sport is a great achievement and it’s a very proud moment to pull on the jersey. I think it makes it even more special when you have your brother or sister playing the same game and pulling on the same jersey with you, so it’s a great experience for myself and Niall to be able to have.”
His name might have been etched into the record books on that fateful day in Bangalore and his famous innings watched and remembered by millions of cricket fans worldwide, but O’Brien remains grateful for the opportunities international cricket has given him.
“I’ve been fortunate to play with and against some of the best players in the world over the last couple of years,” he said.
“It’s been a great learning experience for me as a player and as a man away from cricket. I want to keep enjoying playing cricket and experiencing different cultures around the world.”
Meanwhile, Test cricket remains a dream for the Irishman. “It would be a very proud day for me if I’m around to step on the pitch in Ireland’s first Test match.”
Looking ahead to the 2015 Cricket World Cup, O’Brien said he was particularly looking forward to playing at Hamilton’s Seddon Park and Brisbane’s the Gabba, where Ireland will meet India and United Arab Emirates respectively.
“I think a lot of Irish people living in and around Australia (will get behind the team).
“Unfortunately we don’t play in Sydney, but hopefully people will make the trip down to Canberra or up to Brisbane and come and support us and watch us play.”
Could his heroics with the bat be replicated in 2015? O’Brien certainly hopes so.
“It was a great day and hopefully something that can happen again in the future. That would be fantastic.”
IRELAND WORLD CUP MATCHES:
Monday, February 16: West Indies v Ireland, Saxton Oval, Nelson.
Wednesday, February 25: Ireland v United Arab Emirates, the Gabba, Brisbane.
Tuesday, March 3: South Africa v Ireland, Manuka Oval, Canberra.
Saturday, March 7: Zimbabwe v Ireland, Bellerive Oval, Hobart.
Tuesday, March 10: India v Ireland, Seddon Park, Hamilton.
Sunday, March 15: Pakistan v Ireland, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide.