Japanese skipper hopeful of success
Japan skipper Masaomi Kobayashi hopes that his side can defend its EAP Trophy title and demonstrate that it has learned from its experiences at the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League.
Ahead of the ICC EAP Trophy in September, he took time out to talk to the ICC website about his hopes for the tournament.
How does the team feel coming into the tournament as the defending champions?
The format and counties we will play in this tournament are very different from the previous tournament, so we will take the tournament as a new challenge. It will be the first time we will play against PNG and 3 years have past since our last match against Fiji. We are very excited at being in an extremely challenging group with the top two ranked Associates in the region. Preparation towards the tournament has been extremely good and we are confident that we will have a good chance of winning the tournament.
How has the team responded to the inclusion of Twenty20 fixtures to the 2009 tournament?
The challenge of playing Twenty20 matches in the tournament is extremely exciting. We also look forward to having the opportunity to play against a variety of courtiers through this format, but most of all it is an exciting start to Twenty20 cricket for the region and the Japanese National Team.
Who is a player to watch from the Japanese team that you expect will perform well throughout the tournament?
The team is well balanced with a mixture of experience and youth. The strength of the team is its discipline, team work and a strong fighting spirit. Individual players play hard together which multiplies the strength of the team.
What is your number one tip for keeping players fresh throughout the tournament?
Switching on and off at appropriate times is very important. Preparation and aftercare is an important responsibility that we value highly.
Which team is Japan most eager to face on the cricket pitch and why?
We are looking forward to playing PNG for the first time. Not only is playing against new countries something we look forward to in general, but PNG is also ranked highest in the region, and we are looking forward to the challenge.