O'Brien targets more World Cup glory

When Kevin O’Brien strode to the crease on a Wednesday evening in Bangalore during the 2011 World Cup, no one suspected a World Cup record was about to be broken.

The crowd of 23,500 could have been forgiven for expecting a regulation win for England in their pool game against Associate team Ireland, but the Dublin native ensured a far different result, writing his own name into the record books in the process.

O’Brien’s 50-ball century – the fastest in World Cup history – was the standout moment in a famous three-wicket victory for Ireland, which shocked their historical sporting rivals from across the Irish Sea.

“It was kind of a blur at the time,” O’Brien said as he recalled his innings of 113 from 63 balls.

“I was batting and kind of in the zone, I suppose, and wasn’t thinking too much.

“I was just looking to hit the ball as best I could and it’s something that come off on the day and got us over the line.

“It was obviously a great day for me personally and for the team – it is always pleasing when an Irish team in whatever sport beats England.”

Watch: View highlights of the innings

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Kevin O'Brien celebrating a famous victory over England with brother Niall // Getty Images

Fast-forward four years and the Irish squad has been quietly going about its 2015 World Cup preparations, spending time in Australia, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates over the past few month in a combination of training camps and practice matches.

“We’ve learned a lot about the conditions in Australia and New Zealand, so it’s been a really good preparation from that side of things,” O’Brien said.

“We’ve all improved as individuals and as a team.”

O’Brien said he and his teammates were “quietly confident” about their chances come February and March.

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O'Brien won't get a chance to take on England unless Ireland escape the group stage // Getty Images

Ireland have proved something of a giant killer in their first two World Cups, recording wins over Pakistan and England and making the Super 8 stage of the 2007 tournament.

“There’s a slightly different balance to the squad this time around. We’ve got a lot more young guys, especially bowlers, coming into the team,” said O’Brien, who at 30 is one of Ireland’s most experienced players.

“We’re not going to look too far ahead in terms of the games or the pool. We just know we need to play good cricket and if we can do that, hopefully we can get a few victories and hopefully make it through to the knockout stages.”

Off-spinner Andrew McBrine and Middlesex batsman Andrew Balbirnie are among the youngsters O’Brien can see making their mark for Ireland on cricket’s biggest stage.

“We’ve also got the likes of (Middlesex batsman) Paul Stirling, who is 24, and (Somerset bowler) George Dockrell is only 22.”

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O'Brien will enter the marquee event as one of the few Ireland cricketers with World Cup experience // Getty Images

The son of Irish cricketer Brendan O’Brien, Kevin 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 World Cup appearances, 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,” he said.

“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 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.”

Below: AB De Villiers broke the ODI record, but can he do it again in the World Cup?