During the course of this series the point has been made that exposing young players too early could be damaging for them. The point of course is a valid one.
Well here is one, more mature, but still young player, 25 year old Rory McCann, already the best wicketkeeper / batsman playing in Irish cricket.
In 20th matches for Instonians in 2009 MCann scored 711 runs at an average of 47.40 including 4 fifties and 1 century - 143 against Ballymena at Shaw's Bridge.
His century was the 2nd highest score in the NCU (Paul Stirling scored 150 for Carrickfergus,) his aggregate of 711 runs was the 5th highest aggregate and his batting average was the 4th highest in the NCU.
He achieved 25 dismissals - 13 stumpings and 12 catches.
Other than Niall O'Brien is there a better wicketkeeper / batsman available to Ireland at the moment?
Ryan Eagleson winner of an ECB Sky Sports Coach Award for the Europe Region 2010 has this to say about McCann:
"Comfortable batting anywhere in the top six, Rory has been a regular run getter for Instonians in the last 4 years and played a huge role in their double winning season last year.
Very strong down the ground but watch out for the one handed reverse sweep which he always seems to get to the boundary.
Top class wicketkeeper who stands up to all of the Instonians attack.
Expect big things from him this year for Ireland A and could push for a place as a batter in the senior team.
Bit of a joker in the changing room and more than average rugby player but not that keen on tackling!
A good lad."
Rory McCann. Andy Poynter and Gary Kidd also pictured.
Profile:
DATE OF BIRTH: 11/1/1985
BIRTHPLACE: Belfast
CLUB: Instonians CC
ROLE: Opening bat/Wicketkeeper
BATS: RHB
BOWLS: n/a
McCann has been named in Ireland's A training squad for 2010.
Interview:
CP: WHEN DID YOU START PLAYING CRICKET:
RMC: Started playing when I was about 11 or 12 at Chichester Priory Park CC in Sussex. That is where I played all my cricket till I moved abroad to Italy when I was 16.
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE GAME:
RMC: My dad is a huge cricket fan so he would always bring me down to the nets at the club and then would stay and watch the 1st XI on a Saturday afternoon. I have been pretty much hooked on cricket from then.
FAVOURITE CRICKETER AND WHY:
RMC: Adam Gilchrist. Opening bat/ Keeper like myself and love the way he attacks the bowlers from the off when he opens up the batting. Has no fear and also is a superb wicketkeeper. Never thought he got enough praise for his standard of wicketkeeping year in year out for Australia. I suppose they say the best keepers are the ones you don't notice!!
BIGGEST INFLUENCE AND WHY:
RMC: Adi Birrel has been my greatest influence as a coach so far. Although I have only been involved with him for last couple of years his input into the technical side, as well as mental side of the game has been brilliant.
Feel he is a great motivator and as a player you want to do your best when training or playing under him which can only be a good thing.
AMBITIONS FOR 2010:
RMC: To cement a regular position in the Ireland A team and try and score as many runs as possible and take my catches/stumpings...Simple as that!
There are a great deal more fixtures this year which will hopefully give me an opportunity to impress Phil Simmons as head coach of the senior team.
Also after a very successful season last year with Instonians I am looking to continue our success on a personal level but also enjoy being part of a young and exciting team led by Eugine Moleon who has done a brilliant job at the club.
AMBITIONS FOR BEYOND 2010:
RMC: This is my 6th season in Irish cricket this year and my determination and enthusiasm for the game has never been greater.
I am looking to win trophies at club level and hopefully perform at an international level whenever I am given the opportunity. If this is the case it would be a dream come true for me to be involved in the 2011 World Cup next year.
That is my long term target although there are a lot of fences I have to jump first to reach that goal. There are good players above me at the moment but I feel I have the ability to push them all the way.
AREA LOOKING TO IMPROVE THIS YEAR:
Last year the first few games of the season were a bit disappointing for me in terms of my standard of both batting and keeping. Having had the opportunity to be selected for the recent ICC European Men's Academy in India and also winter sessions with the A team in Dublin I am far more happy with my preparation for the upcoming season. Hopefully I can hit the ground running this year right from the start!
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENTSO FAR:
Representing Ireland A
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT TO DATE:
Not being selected for European A Championships last year.
WHAT ELSE ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT:
Pretty much anything to do with sport whether playing, watching or coaching.
WHAT OTHER INTERESTS HAVE YOU/WHAT OTHER SPORTS DO YOU PLAY:
Have been playing rugby for Instonians 1st XV in All Ireland League until few weeks before the trip to India. Good way of keeping fit but pulled the plug as there was a good chance I would pick up an injury at some stage in the season and I didn't want this to affect my cricket.
WHAT COULD IRISH CRICKET(IF ANYTHING)THAT IT IS NOT DOING ALREADY TO MAKE THE SPORT MORE POPULAR:
Would love to see more International matches involving Ireland games on the TV. Although it is out of Cricket Ireland's hands in most of the cases, all kids sporting role models come from 'stars' on the TV.
It would also give non cricket fans more of an appreciation of the standard of the players Ireland are producing at the moment and maybe encourage them to have a game themselves.
Liam Rooney in collaboration with Rory McCann and Ryan Eagleson
Copyright: Cover Point
