5:56 PM
Editor
After an utterly satisfying win against England, Team Ireland was in Bangalore on Saturday and took some time off their busy schedules to do a little shopping and explore Bangalore's green pastures. While most of the players were not up for making any comments at all, Coach Phil Simmons opened up and chatted about their latest victory and the anticipation of the match against India.
Having entered the tournament as underdogs, their expectations have been raised several notches after Kevin O Brien's stunning century which brought their steep chase to a happy end.
So how does Phil Simmons feel now?
"Nothing's changed," he says pretty calmly. "We came here to play good cricket and that's what we're going to do." So, did they expect to win at all? "Of course we expected to win. You can't play a match expecting to lose, what's the point of that?" and we agree.
Does he fancy India's chances at the World Cup this year?
Phil Simmons: Definitely! And they're playing on home turf too - they might actually win.
What about the fact that home teams never win?
There's a first time for everything.
Winning the match against India could actually take them to the quarterfinals, or bring them very close.
So do they have a strategy in mind?
Our strategy differs, we don't really know until we're there and we've checked the pitch. But the principle is the same, isn't it? Score more runs, take more wickets! Simple.
Are they happy with the Indian pitches? The low bounce makes it conducive to spinners?
It's very different from what we have back home, but the boys are adjusting very well and quickly.
What does he think of the IPL?
It's a great platform for India to develop young players. It works well for foreign players too, because it's so lucrative, but the best thing about it is that it encourages young talent. It leaves India with a very strong ODI team.
Where's Kevin O Brien been hiding?
We haven't been hiding him! (laughs) He's been here all the time!
O Brien's century was played in style, it wasn't just unplanned aggression. He's bound to be snapped up by the IPL soon.
So what do you have to say to that?
I'd be happy for him, we all will. That's what being in a team is all about, encouraging each other, isn't it?
The team's spent a week in Bangalore already, so what have they been doing?
Albert van der Merwe: We've been trying to relax, really, apart from practicing a lot.
They haven't had the time to explore the city as much as they would like, but would he consider coming back to visit?
It's all so new to me, but I love it so far. Everyone's so friendly and forthcoming; it makes a world of difference.
The Irish love the weather and the food in Bangalore, but what makes our city so appealing to all of them is the people. All we're left asking however is — have you tried our Kaapi?
Having entered the tournament as underdogs, their expectations have been raised several notches after Kevin O Brien's stunning century which brought their steep chase to a happy end.
So how does Phil Simmons feel now?
"Nothing's changed," he says pretty calmly. "We came here to play good cricket and that's what we're going to do." So, did they expect to win at all? "Of course we expected to win. You can't play a match expecting to lose, what's the point of that?" and we agree.
Does he fancy India's chances at the World Cup this year?
Phil Simmons: Definitely! And they're playing on home turf too - they might actually win.
What about the fact that home teams never win?
There's a first time for everything.
Winning the match against India could actually take them to the quarterfinals, or bring them very close.
So do they have a strategy in mind?
Our strategy differs, we don't really know until we're there and we've checked the pitch. But the principle is the same, isn't it? Score more runs, take more wickets! Simple.
Are they happy with the Indian pitches? The low bounce makes it conducive to spinners?
It's very different from what we have back home, but the boys are adjusting very well and quickly.
What does he think of the IPL?
It's a great platform for India to develop young players. It works well for foreign players too, because it's so lucrative, but the best thing about it is that it encourages young talent. It leaves India with a very strong ODI team.
Where's Kevin O Brien been hiding?
We haven't been hiding him! (laughs) He's been here all the time!
O Brien's century was played in style, it wasn't just unplanned aggression. He's bound to be snapped up by the IPL soon.
So what do you have to say to that?
I'd be happy for him, we all will. That's what being in a team is all about, encouraging each other, isn't it?
The team's spent a week in Bangalore already, so what have they been doing?
Albert van der Merwe: We've been trying to relax, really, apart from practicing a lot.
They haven't had the time to explore the city as much as they would like, but would he consider coming back to visit?
It's all so new to me, but I love it so far. Everyone's so friendly and forthcoming; it makes a world of difference.
The Irish love the weather and the food in Bangalore, but what makes our city so appealing to all of them is the people. All we're left asking however is — have you tried our Kaapi?
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