McBrine hoping for a chance to strike fear into the West Indies
ANDY McBrine has good memories of facing West Indies.
The North West Warriors captain recorded his most economical 10-over spell at the 2015 World Cup in Nelson and is desperate for the chance to bowl to Chris Gayle et al in Ireland’s next game on Saturday.
This time it is a World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe but, having been called into the team for the game against Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, the 24-year-old recorded his best figures for Ireland and must have a great chance of keeping his place for the big match of the group stages.
“It was nice to get the call, having missed the first game, and nice to contribute to the win,” said McBrine.
“An early wicket always settles you and when you get one with your second ball you have four balls at the new batsman. There was a bit in the wicket for me and I got into a nice rhythm which was quite satisfying. And best ODI figures always helps the team.”
The Donemana all-rounder knows Saturday’s action is a step up in opposition but, even if he has to face master blaster Gayle in his first over, he will not be fazed.
“My first over at the World Cup was a maiden to Gayle,” he recalled with pride. “The first ball of the second over he hit me for a four and I said ‘oh no, here we go’.
“He got a second boundary that over but it was my first World Cup, a little nervous to start but I will take 26 runs off 10 on Saturday.
“Paul Stirling then hit a great 90, Ed Joyce 80 and Nobby (Niall O’Brien) and John Mooney finished it off, chasing over 300.
“We were cruising that day and, although we lost four late wickets, we still won with more than four overs to spare.
“We know it’s going to be our toughest match of the group but everyone’s looking forward to it and it will be televised. We’re in good form, all the batters have had scores and the bowlers have done a good job.
“We have beaten them before and there’s no reason why we can’t do it again.”