WHILE IN NO doubt that Australia were deserving winners of the game last week, Ireland cricketer Niall O’Brien admits the side were disappointed with their performance in the game and will look to improve considerably against the West Indies on Monday.
“We were all disappointed,” he said. “We certainly could have played a lot better.
“I think the boys are up for it and if we pick it up by about 15-20% [against the West Indies] and hopefully that will be enough for the win.”
However, O’Brien admitted that preparations for the must win game have been far from ideal with illness spreading through the squad.
“It’s happened before and, from a personal point of view, I’ve been sick and you sometimes find a bit of resolve and that’s something [the coaching staff] will be trying to stress to the boys who are a bit sick.”
O’Brien, who scored 20 runs against Australia on Wednesday, thinks the T20 format will help the team overcome any illness.
“In T20 there’s a lot of adrenalin involved so hopefully that’ll help overcome any sickness in the squad.”
Ireland face the West Indies Monday afternoon knowing a win will see them through to the Super Eights stage of the T20 World Cup as runners up in Group B.
